Want to make more of your precious travel time and money? Then the Tips For Travellers podcast is likely the podcast for you! Every week your host (Gary Bembridge, a published travel author, writer, video maker, blogger and YouTuber - his channel has over 29 million video views!) shares travel inspiration, advice, tips and money saving ideas based on his first-hand experiences of travelling every month of every year for over 25 years. Each episode features one of these (1) destinations reviews and tips, (2) answers to listener travel questions, (3) live travel reports or (4) cruise line reviews and advice on getting the most from them. Visit http://www.TipsForTravellers.com to follow Tips For Travellers on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Twitter and to sign up for the monthly newsletter.
Cunard is one of cruising's most famous names—but much of what people believe about it is outdated, exaggerated, or simply wrong. After 270 nights aboard Cunard ships, I reveal six persistent misconceptions about its luxury credentials, passengers, dress codes, class system and very different ships. I also explore the recent changes that could reshape the Cunard experience—and why some loyal passengers may not like what comes next.
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After 100+ regular ocean cruises, I finally tried a sailing ship cruise — and almost everything I assumed going in turned out to be wrong.I sailed with Windstar on their 342-passenger flagship Wind Surf, an 8-night Venice to Rome itinerary on a five-mast sailing ship. In this video I cover what I discovered including: * How similar (and different) the onboard experience actually is to a regular cruise ship * The truth about sailing with sails * Cabin trade-offs and issues * Itinerary upsides, downsides, and risks * Whether the premium price is worth it * and who this type of cruise is really for
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I've transited the Panama Canal six times, and I am still completely obsessed with it. In this video, I take you with me on a full Panama Canal transit from the Pacific side across to the Caribbean / Atlantic side, showing what really happens across the day — the thrilling parts, the surprising parts, and the hot, sweaty, wearisome parts that many cruisers do not expect. I explain how the Panama Canal works, what happens inside the Locks, and how the newer 2016 locks changed the way ships transit the canal. Along the way, I show the reality of a full transit: the very early start, the long waiting, the crowds on deck, the "lock fatigue", the intense heat, the excitement of being inches from the lock walls and mules, the peaceful cruise through Gatun Lake and the Culebra Cut, and the huge variety of ships that pass through this incredible waterway. I also look at why water is so crucial to the Panama Canal, how drought can affect transits, why Gatun Lake matters so much, and why this remains one of the most astonishing cruise experiences in the world. If you are thinking of doing a Panama Canal cruise, or wondering whether a full transit is worth it, this will show you what the day is really like — and why, even after six transits, I still find it one of cruising's most remarkable experiences.
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South America cruising delivered some of the most spectacular sights I have ever experienced — but also a few costly, frustrating, and very unexpected lows. On my recent 31-night South America cruise, I filmed live updates from eight of the region's most popular cruise ports and scenic cruising days, capturing what it was really like in the moment. From leaving the ship for two and a half days to visit Machu Picchu, to standing among penguins in the remote Falkland Islands, sailing past Cape Horn, Glacier Alley and the astonishing Brüggen / Pío XI Glacier, this trip had moments that were genuinely epic. But it was not all breathtaking views and once-in-a-lifetime experiences. In this video, I also reveal the South America ports and excursions that disappointed me, surprised me for the wrong reasons, or left me questioning whether the cost and effort were really worth it, and a few ports that sounded more exciting on paper than they felt in reality. I visit and discuss Lima, Machu Picchu, Port Stanley in the Falkland Islands, Ushuaia, Cape Horn and other Scenic Sailing Highlights, the Chilean Fjords, Punta Arenas, Magdalena Island, General San Martín, Puerto Montt, Coquimbo and La Serena — sharing the highs, the lows, the watch-outs, and what I would do differently next time. South America is one of the most varied and dramatic cruise regions in the world, but it is also unpredictable, expensive in places, and not always easy to get right. Here's what I discovered
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I went on my first ever sailing ship cruise expecting something magical, different, and perhaps even better than a regular cruise ship. Instead, after the very first night, I was seriously wondering if I had made a huge mistake. After more than 130 cruises on ocean ships, river ships, expedition ships and even a tiny 14-person barge in France, I finally decided it was time to try a sailing ship. I booked an 8-night Venice to Rome cruise on Windstar's flagship Wind Surf, one of the world's largest sailing ships, to find out what this kind of cruising is really like. But the reality was not what I expected. In this video, I reveal what surprised me, what disappointed me, what went wrong in my cabin, how much the cruise really cost, what sailing ships do and do not actually do with their sails, and why the experience depends far more on the weather and itinerary than I had realised. I also look at the big claims made about sailing ship cruising, including whether they really can get you into better ports, whether the smaller passenger numbers make a big difference, and why so many passengers I met absolutely loved the experience and keep coming back
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I've now been on 11 Holland America cruises, including my most recent 31-night South America sailing — and despite having so many cruise lines to choose from, I keep coming back. But Holland America is not perfect. In this, I reveal what I think Holland America does better and worse than other premium cruise lines like Princess, Celebrity, Cunard and Virgin Voyages — including ship size, itineraries, enrichment, entertainment, and dining, and more I look at if Holland America one of the best premium cruise choices — or is it starting to lose its way?
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It costs $1,200 to take the Belmond Hiram Bingham train to Machu Picchu — roughly $1,000 more than the standard train option. So, was this luxury rail journey through the Andes an unforgettable once-in-a-lifetime experience… or an over-hyped, over-priced way to reach the same ruins as everyone else? In this video, I reveal what the Hiram Bingham train is really like, what's included, what surprised me, what disappointed me, and whether I think it was worth the eye-watering extra cost.
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South America cruises can be spectacular — penguins in the Falklands, Cape Horn, Glacier Alley Chile, fascinating cities in Peru and Chile, end of the world in Ushuaia, Buenos Aires, Lima, Montevideo and more. But after cruising South America several times, including a recent 31-night voyage, I saw experienced cruisers making mistakes that could ruin the trip. In this, I reveal the biggest South America cruise mistakes I saw passengers make, from visa and entry rule surprises to choosing the wrong itinerary, underestimating sea days, misjudging the ports, getting excursions wrong, packing missteps, and getting caught out with money in ports. South America is not like cruising the Caribbean, Alaska or Europe. The distances are vast, the ports can be challenging, the weather can swing wildly, and the rules can change quickly. But get it right, and it can be one of the most memorable cruise regions in the world. This should help ensure any South America cruise does not unravel before it even begins
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It took a lot of coaxing — and in some cases, waiting until crew had left life at sea — to uncover what actually happens behind the scenes on a cruise ship that most passengers have no idea about, and how they work. And how by knowing passengers can use it to improve their cabin and cruise These are the insider insights that most passengers never hear — but once you know them, you'll cruise very differently.
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I just spent 44 out of the last 60 days living on board Holland America ships, and I saw passengers making the same expensive mistakes over and over again. From missing out on the best food to overpaying for their cabins, most people aren't getting the full value of their cruise. In this video, I'm sharing the insider rules I live by to ensure every Holland America sailing is perfect—and easier on the wallet.
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I abandoned my ship mid-cruise for three days to see one of the most iconic sights in the world: Machu Picchu. But after booking an eye-wateringly expensive $5,000 excursion with Holland America, I started to realise just how much could go wrong. Machu Picchu is not a simple shore excursion. It's over 300 miles inland, deep in the Andes, and getting there requires a tightly choreographed chain of flights, buses, trains, and timed entry tickets. One delay, one missed connection, or a bout of altitude sickness, and the whole costly trip could unravel. In this video, I take you along on my journey from the MS Oosterdam in Lima to the "Lost City of the Incas." Join me as I discover if this was an incredible, never-to-forget adventure or a stressful, $5,000 mistake.
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• • Get up to 30% off collectible tokens of place you've visited using the link: https://www.TheWanderClub.com/TFT
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.
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Solo cruising is getting harder… and most people haven't noticed yet. After 87 solo cruises, I'm seeing some big changes that could make cruising alone more expensive, more limited — and in some cases, much less enjoyable. In this video, I reveal what's really going on behind the scenes… and what I now do differently to make solo cruising still work - including the success I have had and what I do to avoid paying double and the same price for two people. If you cruise solo — or are thinking about it — this is something you need to know.
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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.
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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
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With cruise ships fuller than ever and lines focusing heavily on families, adult cruisers need a new strategy. After 125 and counting cruises, I've spotted trends that specifically affect adult couples and solo travellers — from cabins being reassigned, to new adult-only cruise options, to ways 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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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When you pay more for anything — flights, hotels, cars — you expect more. More features, more choice, more "wow". So when cruisers upgrade from resort lines like Royal Caribbean, to premium lines like Princess, or even small-ship luxury like Oceania, and then spend much more on an ultra-luxury cruise… they naturally expect everything to be dramatically better. But here's the surprise: for many first-time ultra-luxury cruisers, it isn't. In this video I explain why so many people I meet on lines like Regent, Silversea, Seabourn and Crystal feel confused or even disappointed — and whether ultra-luxury cruising will truly be right for you. By the end of this video, you'll know exactly whether ultra-luxury cruising is likely to be your dream holiday… or a very expensive mistake.
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Are cruise lines really getting worse? Many cruisers say yes. So I analysed hundreds of recent reviews and ratings from Cruise Critic, Trustpilot, and major review sites — and the results were shocking. Over two-thirds of cruise lines have seen satisfaction drop in the last six months, but six once-popular lines have fallen the most… and for reasons you absolutely need to know before booking. In this video, I break down which lines are slipping fastest — and reveal the key issues dragging their ratings down, from ageing ships and overcrowding to service cutbacks, food declines, rising prices, and controversial new policies. If you're planning a cruise, or simply curious about what's really happening behind the glossy brochures, this is essential viewing.
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When I took my very first Caribbean cruise back in 2007, I often found myself stepping ashore as the only ship in port. Quiet beaches, local markets, no lines for taxis — it felt like true tropical escape. Fast-forward 18 years and 15 Caribbean cruises later, including my most recent ultra-luxury sailing on Regent Seven Seas Splendor, and the Caribbean is a very different place.In this video I reveal the massive changes that are reshaping Caribbean cruising — changes most cruisers don't fully understand until they're already there. I also explain how cruise lines are responding — and what that means for your cruise experience, and dig into the uncomfortable topics many don't talk about:
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Are ultra-luxury cruises really worth the eye-watering price? Or is the reality very different from the dream? Most cruisers are fascinated by ultra-luxury lines like Silversea and Regent Seven Seas, but very few have actually sailed them. So after cruising recently on Royal Caribbean, Norwegian, Holland America, Celebrity and Princess, I decided to book myself on two ultra-luxury ships – Silver Nova and Regent Seven Seas Splendor – paying the full fare to find out what really changes when you step up to the very top tier of cruising. And what I discovered surprised me. In this video I reveal the big differences – and the unexpected similarities – between regular cruise lines and ultra-luxury. So… is ultra-luxury cruising the ultimate upgrade – or will it leave you wondering where all that extra money went?
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After sailing on many lines myself recently, and analysing hundreds of cruiser reviews and ratings across Cruise Critic, Trustpilot, and other major consumer sites, I discovered a surprising trend while many lines are sliding — a handful are rising fast. In this video, I reveal the cruise lines that cruisers say are on the rise right now, what they're getting right, and why ratings are climbing. This is the most up-to-date snapshot of which cruise lines passengers think are improving and why. These trends come from analysing 21 cruise lines covering over 90% of all cruise passengers, excluding only small niche, expedition, and ultra-luxury lines.
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Repositioning cruises promise incredible value — sometimes half the price of a regular cruise — but after doing several of them (including my recent 18-night Silver Nova Alaska–to–Japan repositioning), I've realised many cruisers board with expectations that are completely misguided. And those myths guarantee disappointment. In this video, I reveal the most widely believed repositioning cruise myths that are 100% wrong — and what these cruises are really like. If you've been thinking of booking a repositioning cruise because they're cheap, relaxing, sunny, or just like regular cruises… this is the video you need to watch before you click "book". I'm Gary Bembridge from Tips For Travellers — helping you make the smartest cruise choices so you have the best possible trip.
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Ultra-luxury cruising promises the very best at sea – but which line is truly delivering right now, and which are slipping? I've recently been back on Seabourn, Silversea, Regent Seven Seas and Crystal, and in this podcast I reveal how they really compare today.
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Repositioning cruises can offer unbeatable value — but they also come with big risks and hidden catches that could ruin your dream cruise. I share everything you need to know: what a repositioning cruise is, why they're so cheap, who they're ideal for, how to find them, and the common mistakes to avoid. I've done many of these unique one-way cruises, and I'll reveal the insider tips and watchouts to help you decide if they're right for you. Don't book one until you hear this!
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Is Silversea still ultra-luxury? After reading shocking new reviews calling it "shabby" and "not worth the premium," I boarded Silver Nova to find out the truth. When I started reading recent reviews of Silversea Cruises, I was shocked. Loyal guests now call it "shabby," "cut back," "no longer luxury," and "not worth the premium." Having cruised six times with Silversea and always rated it highly, I had to see if things really had changed. So, I booked myself (and paid full fare) onto Silver Nova, their newest class of ship, to find out what's really happening onboard.
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Cruising over the age of 55 brings unexpected challenges that younger cruisers don't even - or need - to think about. I know — because I've learned the hard way after more than 100 cruises since turning 55. In this video, I reveal the real watch outs, traps, and opportunities for older travellers that most cruise advice never covers. From choosing the right itinerary, line, ship, and cabin, to avoiding mobility issues, scams, and bad weather seasons — these are the essential insights every over-55 cruiser should know before booking. I'll also share how to find senior discounts, pick the right excursions, pack smarter, and make sure your insurance and travel plans keep you safe and stress-free. Whether you're newly retired or a seasoned traveller looking for longer or more exotic voyages, this guide will help you cruise smarter and better prepared.
Links mentioned : https://www.tipsfortravellers.com/agents and https://www.whereswaltertravel.com
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I've cruised on European rivers 12 times and I am just back from a Rhine River cruise on Avalon Waterways. Once again, I met so many people who spoke about surprising and frustrating things they'd only encountered and realised once they were on the cruise because none of the lines, reviews, or commentators seem willing to talk about them frankly, or underplay them. Welcome aboard, I'm Gary Bembridge and here’s what you need to know about European river cruising to avoid any disappointments, and make sure a river cruise is right for you.
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Cruise ships offer many dining options, but I see many cruisers making common cruise dining mistakes that prevent them from having the best experience. I'm going to share my cruise tips and cruise dining tips to help you avoid these pitfalls and enjoy the cruise food to its fullest. These cruise tips for travellers will help you navigate cruise ship dining even if it's your first cruise or one of many.
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Imagine booking your dream cruise on one of the world’s biggest lines—only to realise within hours of boarding it’s not for you. In this video, I break down the FOUR most popular cruise lines based on passengers carried—Royal Caribbean, Norwegian Cruise Line, MSC Cruises, and Carnival—so you can choose wisely and avoid an expensive mistake. I compare: - What these “resort style” mega-ships all have in common - What each does BEST and where each FALLS SHORT - Fleet sizes, global itineraries and private islands - Key fare differences and hidden costs - Cabins: from budget inside rooms to luxury suites (including ship-within-ship concepts) - Dining styles and quality - Entertainment and onboard activities - Who each line is REALLY best for—and who should steer clear Whether you’re a first-time cruiser or a seasoned traveller, this guide will help you match the right line to your travel style and budget.
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Their fans paint river cruising as an idyllic, perfectly paced and immersive way to travel, but few talk about what you lose by choosing one. Having done 12 European river cruises and over 100 ocean ones, I've found the differences are bigger than most people think or expect. Some things river cruises absolutely do way better than ocean ships. But some things? They don’t. here's what river cruises and ocean cruises each do better than the other, and why.
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Want to cruise like a VIP without paying “First Class” suite prices? In this podcast, I reveal 6 insider tricks that will let you enjoy luxury perks - all without breaking your budget.
These are the same strategies I use to get a champagne cruise lifestyle on a beer budget. Whether you’re a first-time cruiser or a seasoned traveller, these tips will help you transform your future cruises into something much more special — without paying suite prices.
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After a five-year break, I returned to river cruising in Europe to see how the experience compared to my past trips. I chose the European River Cruise line with the highest ratings by recent passengers and boarded with high expectations. This video shares my thoughts on what they did both well and less well, and if I felt they deserve the ratings they are getting Links mentioned in the podcast: Avalon Food and Bar menus + Daily Programs: https://www.tipsfortravellers.com/Avalon
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I've recently revisited and cruised on all five of what the industry calls “Premium” cruise lines, as I keep getting asked which is the best these days as so many cruisers are confused by all the recent changes in the fleets, new on-board offerings, tweaks to inclusions and exclusions, and the seeming push by all to attract a different passenger type. Welcome aboard, I'm Gary Bembridge, and I'm going to compare each line including what they're best known for, good at, what they're less good at, and who I think should cruise with them right now – and why.
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I am just back from a Mediterranean cruise on Sun Princess from Barcelona to Naples. As on all my cruises, I was delighted to chat to followers of my channel and new travellers I met, unfortunately not all of whom were having the perfect cruise. Why? Because too many had made mistakes that I have seen time and time again on the 25 Mediterranean cruises I've been on to date. So, I decided to put this together to help anyone planning a Mediterranean cruise to as avoid these traps and mistakes
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I cruised on Sun Princess to experience snd test out the new Princess Cruises SANCTUARY COLLECTION. This video shares my thoughts on if the SANCTUARY SUITE , Sanctuary Club deck, Sanctuary Restaurant and other perks and benefits included in the fare to see if it was all worth it. Here's my verdict and thoughts
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Princess Cruises have entered mega-ship cruising with the launch of their 4,300-passenger Sphere Class ships, Sun and Star Princess. Hearing it was totally different to their other ships, reading very divided reviews, and seeing many asking if Princess were abandoning loyal guests to attract a different type of passenger, I had to test it out for myself. And this is the good and bad news I found. And I will reveal, as past frequent Princess cruiser, if I will I cruise on these ships again….or not.
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It's been three years since I was last on Princess Cruises, when I vowed to never return after going on three underwhelming cruises in the space of 12 months: Sky and Regal Princess in Europe and Majestic Princess in Alaska. I felt Princess had lost its way, and they had slipped behind their competition in the premium category. In fact, I made a video after those cruises, which is entitled “My Last Time? Issues I Have With Princess” about my feelings. But I relented because I wanted to go on a Group Cruise hosted by my vlogger friends “Paul and Carol Love To Travel” which was on Sky Princess. So, I decided to go back and see if they'd improved. Here's what I found. Good and bad.
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I decided I should investigate why so many cruisers are being bumped of cruises right now after seeing in just one day, it happening to so many. Including Carnival bumping many passengers off several up-coming Carnival Conquest sailings, upset people in a Seabourn Facebook group reporting being bumped off one of three back-to-back cruises they had booked, and P&O Cruises cancelling and bumping thousands off a 35-night sailing to the Caribbean In this I am exploring seven reasons it’s happening more these days, what you should watch out for, and how to protect yourself.
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I’m just back from a Sky Princess cruise to Scandinavia, and during that I realised there are a surprisingly large number of things I cannot do on cruises this year that I could last year. For example, as on last year’s Princess cruise, I bought the “Princess Plus” package. While it still includes a Drinks Package, unlike last year, this year they’ve now excluded canned sodas from that package, only allow me one drink per order, and have banned double measures. While this may seem not a huge change, it is an unwelcome change from last year and got me thinking about others. So, welcome aboard, I'm Gary Bembridge and here's eight, yes eight, big things you cannot do on a cruise this year that you could last year!
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I’m just back from a 7-night Sky Princess Scandinavian cruise where I challenged myself to test out eight cruise tips I think cruisers massively under-estimate, including one that I have seen totally wreck entire trips – and almost created a massive problem for me.
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I'm just back from a cruise on Explora Journeys Explora 2, and was disappointed how many passengers I met on there are still following cruise tips that frankly I know are overrated and out-of-date. Tips that many cruising articles and videos are still recommending cruisers use. I'm Gary Bembridge, and I want to tell you about four overrated cruise tips I think you should ditch overboard and (importantly) what you should be doing instead.
Links mentioned in the video - and savings on cruise products
Before boarding my Explora Journeys cruise, I had many questions, including if this new line would live up to the rave online reviews, who it is competing with, and who they were aiming at as I’d started seeing many ads targeting families with kids. So, as I boarded Explora II in Barcelona for an 11-night cruise, I was eager to discover more, and I did come away with clear answers, and one hurdle that had me thinking hard if I would cruise with them again.
Watch my Explora II ship tour: https://youtu.be/qIig4d1E0A0
I meet so many people on cruises who tell me they do not gamble. However, whilst they might not gamble in the casino, they gamble with the most important thing of all on the cruise, the cabin. I'm going to tell you why I think most people get cabins wrong and what savvy cruisers do that I think you should really consider doing, too. I'm Gary Bembridge. And here's my tips on finding the perfect cabin, and why I think most advice that people give you is wrong.
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Recently, I had to step in to stop some friends making big mistakes while planning their Alaska cruise. It reminded me of all the pitfalls there are when cruising Alaska, and because of that why I meet too many cruisers saying their trip of a lifetime to this stunning region fell short. I'm Gary Bembridge, and I'm going to tell you how I helped my friends have a great Alaska cruise, and help you get your Alaskan cruise right.
Links mentioned in the video:
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For many people, the idea of living part, or full-time, on cruise ships sounds like a dream-like paradise. But having spent time closely following several people that have recently tried it, I saw the harsh reality is that dream comes with some darker aspects, nightmare challenges and unexpected problems. Things I think you need to know about. In another video (https://youtu.be/qlV2QabCRkQ ), I looked at the options and what it REALLY costs to live on cruise ships today but in this, I pull back the curtains on the downsides.
Channels mentioned in the video: • 30 & A Wake Up: https://www.youtube.com/@30AndAWakeUp • Poverty to Paradise: https://www.youtube.com/@PovertyToParadise • Grounded Life Cruises: https://www.youtube.com/@GroundedLifeCruises • Fraser At Sea: https://www.youtube.com/@FraserAtSea
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I've been asking experienced cruisers I’ve met what they did to make their cruise vacation perfect. And they are all saying the same things as other smart cruisers I've asked on past cruises. Well, mostly the same because while there 5 things all agree on, there is one that splits smart cruisers into two opposing camps. As you will hear.
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I have been shocked at how many videos, blogs, and articles, many by people that cruise passengers see as leading cruise experts, are totally wrong on the topic of who owns what cruise line - and are giving incorrect answers and bad advice to the question I and others are frequently asked: "I want to go on an ocean cruise a non-USA owned line, what are my options?”. People acting on the advice are booking lines they have been told are non-USA owned perhaps by European or other owners but are not in fact. I spent time diving deep into this topic, and even some lines that push a regional or national line are not owned by that nation any longer due to recent changes I talk about.
Links mentioned in the video: * Who owns the cruise lines download: https://www.TipsForTravellers.com/owners
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After closely following several people living cruise ships for some time and analysing the different options and ways they do it, I discovered many remarkable things like not only how they make it work, and importantly what it really costs, but I also the uncovered there is an unexpected dark side of living on cruise ships that you need to know about
Channels mentioned in the video: • 30 & A Wake Up: https://www.youtube.com/@30AndAWakeUp • Poverty to Paradise: https://www.youtube.com/@PovertyToParadise • Grounded Life Cruises: https://www.youtube.com/@GroundedLifeCruises • Fraser At Sea: https://www.youtube.com/@FraserAtSea
Links mentioned: * Need To Know Before Playing Cruise Ship Casino: https://www.tipsfortravellers.com/cruise-ship-casino-what-you-need-to-know-before-you-play/ * How To Gamble On Cruise Ships To Unlock Free Cruises: https://www.tipsfortravellers.com/how-to-gamble-on-a-cruise-to-unlock-perks/
While the cheapest way to go to Antarctica is on a regular cruise line and ship sailing past the Antarctic Peninsula as part of a South America itinerary, there is a huge catch making it less fulfilling as you do not get to land or do zodiac rides to get close to wildlife. For a true Antarctic experience, an expedition cruise is the way to go. However, as the cost of these cruises is prohibitive to most, I asked my friend, Martin Johnson who runs Polar Routes (a dedicated Antarctic and Arctic travel agency), to help me identify the most budget-friendly ways to get there. And in this I share how you can cruise to Antarctica for less and without breaking the bank.
Links mentioned in the video
and HX Hurtigruten Expeditions: https://www.polarroutes.co.uk/cruises/antarctica/antarctica-falklands-south-georgia-25-days-by-hx/
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I have been intrigued as recent reviews of Crystal Cruises have been very positive, including it having the highest passenger ratings on Cruise Critic in the ultra-luxury category, better than Regent Seven Seas, Silversea and Seabourn. So, I decided to test Crystal Cruises out to see if they really are the best of the ultra-luxury lines. This is what I discovered.
After doing well over 100 cruises, I thought I knew everything about life on a cruise ship. That was until a dinner hosted by a senior crew member on my last cruise, where they revealed a surprising secret about cruise ship crew that I was totally unaware of! That got me wondering what else I, and other passengers, have no idea about cruise ship crew.
Welcome aboard, I am Gary Bembridge and after much research and talking to crew off the record, I found 6 secrets kept well hidden from us passengers that I think you will find surprising and maybe even shocking.
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Cruise line glossy brochures and their enticing adverts promise a carefree and trouble-free vacation, BUT they don’t tell the whole story. There are several important things that can and do significantly impact us as passengers that the lines seem reluctant to talk about or be upfront about. Welcome aboard, I'm Gary Bembridge and join me as I unmask five unspoken things that directly affect us all, and why I believe you need to know more about them.
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I have done a Panama Canal transit four times and on every trip I see passengers making the same mistakes that get in the way of making it their adventure of a lifetime. But some of the errors are so easy to make that even an experienced cruiser like me can get tripped up – as I did on my most recent Panama Canal trip on Regent Grandeur. So, welcome aboard, I’m Gary Bembridge and hear 5 things I have learnt the hard way that you need to know about doing a Panama Canal cruise.
Links mentioned:
David McCullough’s “The Path Between the Seas. The Creation of the Panama Canal” ** Buy on USA Amazon: https://amzn.to/3E3QV65
** Buy on UK Amazon: https://amzn.to/3CdECnb
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Days before heading off on Regent's newest ship, the Grandeur, the line launched new advertising promising that “nobody does it better”. In in they also claimed to have the “world's most luxurious fleet”, and that no cruise line beats them on destination experiences, hospitality, luxury spaces, and dining. Having been on Regent before, while I found them great, I didn’t think they beat every line, so this latest trip turned into the perfect opportunity to really test out if Regent now does do cruising better than everybody else. I am Gary Bembridge, and this is what I found. And as always to offer an unbiased review I booked and paid for this trip myself like every single cruise I go on
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I’ve been contacted recently by way too many cruise passengers that have been caught out by new scams that have emerged since my last video about this topic, including one a good friend stumbled upon on his latest cruise – and one using me to scam cruisers like you! Here are the latest cruise scams to watch out for!
Links mentioned:
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Every cruiser can see that cruise fares have been rising scarily fast, and cruise lines are telling Wall Street investors that they expect fares to keep rising well over inflation as demand for cruising is so high. But despite that, I have found ways of paying less than most people on every one of the 12 upcoming trips I've got booked. I'm going to show you how I, and other smart cruisers, cruise for less than others in this time of rising fares.
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I’m upset as one item I've taken on every cruise I've done to date has just been banned. But I'm not the only one devastated about new cruise line bans, as three people contacted me about a less-publicised ban making cruising more costly for them. While I saw another recent ban got one cruiser banned for life when she unwittingly broke it. I’m Gary Bembridge, and I’m here to tell you about six items cruise lines have recently banned that could change the way you cruise. Forever.
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If you've got a cruise booked in 2025, or thinking of booking one, there are startling changes being made by cruise lines, governments, and the actions of some local port residents that you need to be ready to deal with. Even if you've been cruising recently and think you know how things work, these changes could catch you by surprise and throw your cruise plans off course. Here are six changes I think you need to be ready for in 2025.
Links mentioned in the episode:
UK ETA: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/apply-for-an-electronic-travel-authorisation-eta
EU ETIAS: https://travel-europe.europa.eu/etias_en
Videos Mentioned:
Money saving: https://youtu.be/qWLw-tJbSKg
Banned Items: https://youtu.be/WCveKKbpJRw
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On all three Antarctic trips I've been on, I’ve seen so many passengers thrown by the same things each time. All because expedition lines are not totally transparent until passengers get on board. Then the truth comes out. It often comes as a big shock to many. So, here are the six things I see most passengers are surprised about Antarctic cruising once they get on board.
Links mentioned in the video: The Cruise Maps, to get 10% off any order use this link:
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Knowing that the expedition cruise I wanted to do would cost me the same as buying a new luxury car, I needed to make sure that the line I went with would deliver something special and make every dollar worth it. After much deliberating, I decided to entrust Silversea with this huge sum of money as I've been on shorter expedition cruises with them before, thought they did a good job, though I was apprehensive as the cost of getting it wrong was so enormous. On this trip, I discovered just what Silversea Expedition are doing well, and not so that well these days, as you will hear.
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I've recently been following several cruise-gone-wrong sagas that inspired me to make this. They include outraged passengers raging because the Captain decided to miss iconic ports that most had booked the cruise for, and a distraught family facing a medical bill of $150,000 after their father fell ill on European cruise. Like you I assume all my cruises will be perfect, but not all are. Here are the main things I’ve seen go wrong, and how to be ready for them and what to do if it happens to you.
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Over the years I've been cruising, I have made many mistakes, but thanks to other cruisers I've met along the way, they suggested various tools, sites, and apps that helped make sure I avoided making those – and other - mistakes again. So, I'd like to share those that I use on every cruise to make every trip epic. Including some rather quirky and unusual ones that you may find surprising and even rather amusing!
Links mentioned in the video: Get 10% off any order of The Cruise Maps using https://www.TheCruiseMaps.com/TFT (discount applied at check out)
In every weekly live cruise Q&A livestream that I do on YouTube, I am asked by a cruiser what is the best cruise line they should use in one of the regions of the world so they can see and get the most of it. So, I decided to make this to share in one place what I have found from my experiences to be the very best cruise lines to choose in each of the 8 most popular cruising regions. I have cruised all several times and, as you will see, many of the lines are not the obvious nor the biggest.
A drinks package can easily add $1,000 or more to the cost of your seven-night cruise. They've become popular and cruise lines push cruisers hard to buy them, arguing they’re great value, but are they really? And who exactly should, and should not, be buying them and why? I highlight how to avoid falling into traps that so many cruisers do with drinks packages. Links mentioned in the video: * Drinks Package calculators: https://www.cruzely.com/cruise-line-drink-package-calculator/ and https://www.cruisemummy.co.uk/cruise-drinks-package-calculator/
Until recently I used to think of myself as a self-aware and understanding cruise passenger, but that changed after I caught up with some crew members I know over dinner on a recent cruise. They told me there are 6 things blissfully unaware passengers keep doing that really wind the crew up, but most passengers don’t realise they are doing it as crew members have to hide their frustration when they do these. I want to reveal these so you can avoid doing these from here on.
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I noticed that more cruisers than ever are staying on board their cruise ship rather than getting off in ports to self-explore or go on excursions. With many changes in ports and on ships in recent years, I too have started remaining on board in more ports too. There were even two cruises in the last year where I did not get off the ship in any port at all! What is going on? And why and when should you also make the smart choice to stay on board in port?
I'm constantly asked if I think that cruise lines are worse now than they used to be. After analysing how cruisers are rating them right now, the answer seems to be mostly yes. I've poured over the online reviews and ratings of 25 of the biggest cruise lines aimed at English-speaking cruisers over the last nine months. A staggering 20 of them are being rated lower than ever before, with just two being rated higher. Welcome aboard, I am Gary Bembridge and to make my findings as helpful as possible for you, I'm going reveal the current best and worst rated lines right now in each of the 5 categories the cruise industry uses: Mass Resort lines, Premium Lines, Small Ship Luxury Lines, Ultra-Luxury Lines and Local-focused Lines.
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As I don’t want to waste my precious time and money on a European river cruise line that isn’t on top of their game, I've been diving into the latest cruise reviews and ratings, to see what lines are doing well and, maybe more importantly, what lines we might need to approach with more caution. There are 5 lines you should be wary of and they include some of the best-known names on the rivers of Europe. I was surprised about the first of the lines on the lower-scoring list as I had expected them to be rated better.
As a HUGE fan of them, and because I see only a small percentage of passengers going to many of them, and as I think too many are missing out on one of the best culinary experiences on a cruise, I’m going to let you in on my list of the best included afternoon teas at sea, so you too know where you can indulge in this fantastic experience.
“Cruise Calories Don’t Count” T-shirt you can buy it from my merchandise store in a range of colours: https://www.tipsfortravellers.com/calories
Looking at reviews before heading off on Seabourn Venture, one of the new expedition ships from the ultra-luxury Seabourn line, I was concerned when I saw recent reviews calling it disappointing, saying it had unappealing food, the entertainment was abysmal, and the decor felt downscale versus other Seabourn ships. This is what I discovered when I went.
I look at 5 things that no-one, including cruise lines don't like to talk about, when it comes to cruise ship cabins - and why and how it is affecting the way passengers like you cruise and ingenious ways that the choices cruise lines are making on cabins means people are paying more to go cruising.
It is a great time to be cruising if you are a family with kids. But if you’re looking for kid-free cruising it is getting harder than I have ever known it to be. In this video I talk about guaranteed adult-only cruise lines and ships, how to minimise your chance of having kids on a cruise on non-adult only lines, and if you're on a cruise line with lots of kids, what can you do if you want a more adult-only experience.
I decided to see how today’s travellers spending their own hard-earned money river cruising in Europe are rating the lines on review sites. I quickly discovered the rankings were not as I expected them to be and were different to those of the magazines and sites. So, I let you in on the top 8 traveller best rated river cruise lines right now, and why.
Reports of an incident of passengers breaking cruise rules with costly consequences, got me thinking about what cruise rules I see being broken often. It struck me that some rule breaking bothered me and some did not, for while they might have nasty consequences for those involved many do not directly affect my cruising experience. I wondered if everyone felt the same. So, I did a poll of cruisers and discovered there’s 6 key rules that when broken drive cruisers crazy more than any others, and in this video I reveal what they are and why they drive other cruise passengers crazy.
I am frequently contacted by stressed cruise passengers at the end of their tether, seeking my help on how to get out of a costly blunder they've made. In recent weeks, several cruisers have been in touch about the same four issues that seem to keep catching people out these days. I thought I needed to warn cruisers about them. As well as telling you about them, I will suggest how to solve them if you have, or do, find yourself caught up by one. Links mentioned in the video:
ShoreExcursionsGroup port excursions: https://www.tipsfortravellers.com/shoreexcursions
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It feels to me like the world is getting smaller for cruise passengers. I keep seeing reports of yet another port banning, reducing how many ships or the size of ships that can call there. And even in ports without cruise restrictions, more locals seem to be protesting about cruise passengers being there once we get off the ship. As the news of these developments tends to be sporadic and not many are aware of the total picture, I decided to pull together what's happening so you can consider these when planning your upcoming and future cruises.
When I told friends, family, and followers online that I was headed off on a Viking Ocean cruise to Alaska, I was struck by how much misunderstanding and myths they all had about what it's really like to go on a Viking Ocean cruise. Because it had been a while since I'd last been on a Viking Ocean cruise, I also had many questions on what it was like these days and how and what had changed or was different. This is what I discovered it is like going on a Viking Ocean Cruise today.
On my last cruise, Cunard Queen Anne, I never ate in the buffet restaurant, on a recent Holland America cruise I ate lunch in there every day and on my Royal Caribbean Symphony of Seas cruise I ate most meals there. Why? It’s because I have a set of cruise buffet rules that I've developed over time that determine when I eat in the buffet, how I use it if I do, and what I will and won’t eat in there. After talking to other regular cruisers, I found they also follow a similar approach that I want to share with you.
While there's been many reviews about cruising on Cunard's new Queen Anne, there's not been much about what it's like to travel in their costly first-class Grills “ship-within-a-ship” on it. I spent 14 nights testing that out and having also been in it on every ship in their fleet too, I think I’m well positioned to report back on what they’ve changed, got right and frankly not got right at all. Video link mentioned in the video Visit Us Video again https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aAh0GjlhtpY
What can you take home from your cruise without any fear you're doing the wrong thing, either morally or legally? This question hit me while I was packing at the end of a recent Cunard Queen Anne Cruise, as in the disembarkation letter a section was highlighted with a list of items that I was not allowed to take home, warning that if I did there would be penalties. I did a double take, as it included items I often take home from a cruise. It got me questioning what we can take from a cruise these days without any fear of getting into trouble.
I believe I can bring a unique take on Cunard's new Queen Anne as I’ve been on 23 Cunard cruises and spent 210 nights across all their fleet, including most recently 14 nights on board Queen Anne, which gave me ample time to fully test out their latest cruise ship. I was keen to discover if, as some believe, Cunard is trying to chase people like me away from Cunard with their new ship and replace me with new and younger cruisers, or whether they're just trying to offer another ship for me as a regular Cunard cruiser to experience.
As all the passengers you will hear about discovered, being denied boarding for a cruise, not only turned their dream vacation into complete disarray, but lost them a fortune as cruise lines do not refund guests who they deny boarding to, arguing it's up to us as passengers to pay close attention to any rules and requirements, whether it's the cruise lines or the countries being called upon. After seeing reports of more people being caught out these days, I want to make it easier for you to avoid the things that could get you denied boarding.
With ships sailing full, and all the major cruise lines saying that on average they're sailing at 104% capacity, the techniques that I used to use and spoke about in the past, even as recently as this video from two years ago, to get cruise cabin upgrades no longer work. But after some rethinking, I’ve successfully cracked how to still get upgrades today. I know you can score upgrades like I have, as I’ve just helped people booking on one of my future group cruises land upgrades on that one too. Links mentioned in the video: https://www.tipsfortravellers.com/cruise-ship-fare-tracking/
Experiences on my two last cruises reminded me that just because my cruise ship is calling into a port does not mean that I can assume it's safe for me to get off and explore. In fact, even in the two most popular cruising regions, the Caribbean and Mediterranean, many of the most visited ports are amongst the riskiest.
Welcome aboard, I'm Gary Bembridge and I’m going to tell you what dangerous ports in these two regions to avoid, and how to keep yourself safe if you've got a cruise booked that's going to one of them.
Link mentioned in the video: Carole Copeland Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/conversations-with-carole/id218435600
I was driven to make this after I saw a series of issues blow up on cruise ships after people did not come clean with their cruise line, sometimes intentionally but more often because they hadn’t realised they needed to. The consequences of some were so severe that I’ve seen cruisers banned for life, refused embarkation, or being kicked off their ship during the cruise. In this video I help you to get cruising right by knowing what you should never hide from the cruise line, and why.
I recently embarked on Holland America Eurodam to host one of my group cruises with some trepidation, because I'd had past fans of Holland America telling me they were falling out of love with the line, based on three recent changes. So, I felt this would be the perfect opportunity to put these to the test, as I could tap into the thoughts of everyone on my group cruise. And, based on what we discovered, you’ll hear where we found the concerns about Holland America are right, where they are not, and why.
The Indian Pacific is one of the famous and costliest train journeys in the world travelling 2,700 miles (4,352 kilometres) between Sydney and Perth Australia. So, I had very high expectations, but before we even got on board, I started to have concerns as things were going wrong which would have been fine if it was just me and my partner travelling, but we had booked two cabins in the premium Platinum class carriages to take my mother-in-law on a special once-in-a-lifetime trip for her 80th birthday. Adding even more pressure for this to be perfect. Join me as I share our experience on this famous train over the 3 nights and 4 days it takes, and if I thought it was worth it all by the end.
One of the more frequently asked questions I see on cruise message boards is: “what can I ask my cabin steward to bring or do for me?”. As I keep seeing the same limited list of suggestions, I decided to make this as, based on my experience, I can see cruisers are missing out on many more things cabin stewards can do and bring.
Oceania Cruises is one of my all-time favourite cruise lines, and so I was incredibly excited to try their new class of ships. Until I did. I went on Vista, the first of this new class, and despite many great things, that I will tell you about, there is (for me anyway, and some others I spoke to) one deal breaker that means I will be sticking to their older ships unless something changes.
I’ve just returned from back-to-back Caribbean cruises on two very different ships, the massive 6,000 passenger Symphony of the Seas and the smaller 1,200 passenger Oceania Vista. And on both, despite their dramatic differences, I was amazed how many people were still getting the same five things wrong that I’ve seen on every Caribbean cruise I’ve done over the years. I want to warn you about them, so you can avoid them.
Anyone close to cruising knows that cruise lines are incredibly involved with trains and train travel. Some even own and operate them, including some of the most famous and iconic ones, as you will hear. That’s why they really want us to do three things: book train travel before cruises, during cruises as excursions, and after the cruise. Welcome aboard. I'm Gary Bembridge, helping you to get cruising right, including those train trips and excursions your cruise line really wants us to do and why.
I told my friends not to book the cruise as it was one that I keep warning cruisers to stay well clear of as they almost always disappoint. But they insisted and sadly, three days before they were due to depart, what I feared would happen did. It was cancelled. I’m Gary Bembridge and I’m here to warn you about this and 5 cruises I suggest you NEVER book, along with tips of what to do instead - or how to reduce your risk if you really do want to do them.
Although most cruise reviewers say there are five, there are strictly speaking only two cruise lines that truly have a “ship-within-a-ship”. A fully self-contained world where passengers paying at least $500 per person a night for a suite are given the special entry card to a door that lets them step out of the regular cruise ship and into an exclusive VIP (Very Important Passenger) one. I have stayed on all 5 of them though and review and rank them.
Four years ago, Royal Caribbean, best known for huge, good value resort ships, surprised many by buying Silversea known for ultra-luxury small ship cruising. Having cruised on it before the takeover, I decided I should return to see if the online reviews from other pre-takeover cruisers saying things like, "Not the same Silversea” and “Before it was sold, we thought Silversea was superb, well run, with delicious food. Not now” were right or not. So, I booked myself on Silver Spirit for a two-week cruise, and this is what I found.
There are five things I took for granted last year as a cruiser that have unexpectedly disappeared this year, the first massive one I experienced first-hand on a recent cruise. I was on the first leg of Silversea Silver Spirit’s 62-night Grand Voyage from Cape Town to Athens via the Seychelles, Dubai, and the Suez Canal. Find out what that was and the 4 others.
I used to think of myself as a considerate cruise passenger, trying to be polite and help make the crews’ jobs simpler, easier, and more pleasant. But I’ve had to reappraise what I was doing after a crew member discreetly told me on this cruise that I am on that some were having the opposite effect, and could get them into trouble with their boss, affect their ability to get a promotion, and even whether their contract would get renewed. Surprised by this, I asked the cruise director, waiters, shore excursion staff, guest services, guest entertainers and speakers, and of course my stateroom attendant, what well-intentioned things I was doing on a cruise that I should stop, and importantly be doing instead. The answers were eye-opening.
Cunard has the reputation of being the most class-based cruise line sailing today, keeping alive the tradition of grand old ocean liners from the Titanic era had of giving First-Class passengers, or what Cunard now call “The Grills”, a more rounded and top-notch experience vastly superior to that of all other guests.But is that the reality. I reveal what it is really like and why
Cruise lines charge less per day for repositioning cruises than ANY of their other cruises, making them some of the most inexpensive and appealing to many cruisers. But I’ve met so many people on them discovering too late that being inexpensive alone is not a good reason for doing them, as they’d been caught out or fallen into some traps. The same ones I see repeatedly.
I met so many regular Norwegian cruisers on my Norwegian Viva cruise that disliked this new Prima class of Norwegian Cruise Line ships that I started wondering if Norwegian had actually gone out of their way to create a new type of ship they knew current cruisers wouldn’t like! Perhaps to attract different cruisers, perhaps cruisers like me. I’m not a regular Norwegian cruiser, largely because I’ve not been a fan of the Norwegian ships I’ve been on, but this ship did some things so differently it made me rethink my position, as you will hear.
Just before my much anticipated and costly $1,800 a night cruise in Norwegian Viva’s all-suite Haven, “Cruise with Ben and David”, one of the leading YouTube cruise channels, released a critical review raising many issues and complaints about it. So many that friends of mine suggested I cancel, as they knew that it was THE most expensive Mediterranean cruise I had ever booked. As it was so costly, I was really torn but in the end I decided to risk it hoping that as they'd been on the maiden voyage, things might have improved. This is what I discovered.
While Cruise lines make it easy and convenient to book and buy most things for a cruise directly with them, have you stopped to ask if it’s in your best interest? I have!
Cruise lines are banking on us not shopping around and discovering that some non-cruise line alternatives not only cost less, but are better, safer, and more comprehensive. Including as you will hear, one that I think will totally surprise you.
Join me, Gary Bembridge, as I help you get cruising right by knowing the 4 things you should stop buying through the cruise lines and why.
I reveal 5 tips, tricks and hacks that experienced and smart cruise passengers that I have met on recent cruises agree are ones that savvy cruisers all use and know about – but not everyone does to knows about!
I look at the four times I recommend cruise passengers take a cruise line excursion rather than any other alternative for exploring a cruise port like self-touring or independent tour guide or company
I look at 5 biggest mistakes that cruise passengers make with cruise excursions, often ruining not only their time in port but putting a huge dampener on their total cruise.
After listening to what cruise lines are telling investors they're doing this year, I'm convinced that in 2024 we are going to be facing five new and unwelcome challenges. But I also have some suggestions on how to work around these and get ahead of them, including one solution that you may not even realise is possible.
I'm going to show you how seven of my friends paid nothing, or next to nothing, to go on cruise vacations in the last year, and how I've been offered 11 free, or almost free, cruises in that same period too. Some may not work for you today, but may one day, some will once you know how, but I can guarantee the last one you can do for sure.
I was having a great time on my recent Regent Seven Seas cruise before I started speaking to fellow guests. Some first-timers as well as long-time regulars raised issues which made me wonder if I was being too forgiving. After all, the trip had cost me a lot and it is worth being picky!
So, after digesting it all and taking on board their thoughts, here’s what I believe the line does well, differently, and what doesn’t work for everyone - and why.
We are only ever likely to go to Japan once in our lives and so it's important to get it right. While I didn't get everything 100% spot on, I now know what future cruisers to Japan need to know to avoid my mistakes, work around downsides, and ensure they have the best time.
The cruise I'm on right now has inspired me to make this video. I'm an Royal Caribbean Symphony of the Seas, and I've met many first time cruisers and repeat cruisers who have tripped up and fallen for 6 traps that are out there right now that cruisers are falling for that I want to make sure that you know about so you don't fall into those traps. Links to fare tracking mentioned in the video: https://www.tipsfortravellers.com/cruise-ship-fare-tracking/
When I think of Royal Caribbean, I think of feature-packed mega resort ships, with good value cabins. However, I have seen Royal Caribbean now has some of the biggest and most expensive suites money can buy at sea. So, instead of using some savings to book a smaller luxury cruise line that I usually would, I decided to splash that cash on a Royal Caribbean suite to see if I would get all the service, glitz, and glamour they promise in their “Royal Class Suites”.
The “cruise bible”, the authoritative Berlitz “Complete Guide to Cruising and Cruise Ships”, has for years said this line has the best ships in the world, but almost no cruisers outside its home country have ever heard of it, even though it's 50% owned by Royal Caribbean, a line everyone’s heard of. So, I decided I should test the line out to see if they were better, and if I would recommend that cruisers like you consider taking a risk and cruising a line you’ve never heard of.
At the start of my recent Greenland Arctic expedition cruise, an ominous notice appeared in the daily program. It required us to attend a mandatory (written in capital letters no less!) meeting at 5pm. Having been on four previous expedition cruises to Antarctica, the Arctic and Galapagos I knew to expect this meeting. But most did not, and many were confused as we’d had the muster drill which they thought was the only mandatory requirement on cruises. Concern grew when the Expedition Director made an announcement saying failure to attend would have significant implications for the cruise. This got me thinking I should talk about this and 5 other things that I only found out about after boarding when I started going on expedition cruises.
I like cruising on small and medium-sized ships that aren’t busy, and a bit laid back. But I also love going to Vegas, with its big brash shows, buzz, and excitement. So, I decided, to see if a big resort ship would work out for people like me, so I nervously booked myself on Royal Caribbean’s Symphony of the Seas, which at the time was the second-biggest ship in the world, holding up to 6,680 passengers. Now that I've experienced the best and worst of a mega ship resort cruising, I now know who should or shouldn't be booking themselves on one of these. And why!
I’ve been diving into the latest cruise line reviews, reviewing all the comments and messages I receive and comparing that with my own recent cruising experiences, and from all that I came across five cruise lines that passengers seem to agree are the hottest cruise lines right now, ones rising with the tide and floating above all others, so ones perhaps you should consider more than ever before right now. Here’s what I found.
As none of us want to waste our precious vacation time and money on anything but those cruise lines on top of their game, I've been diving into the latest cruise reviews, pouring over the thousands of comments and messages I get, and been cruising on many cruise lines to see which are hot - and which are not - right now. Based on all that here are the lines I think you may need think about carefully, and why.
There are things I no longer pack for a cruise as things have changed, others I pack different things to do the same task, things I have always packed for a cruise vacation and still do and some things I don’t understand why people pack for a cruise at all. Find out what they are and why you should rethink what you pack for a cruise
With cruise lines now pretty much able to sell their ships out completely at a hundred percent or higher capacity, I want to tell you how you can hunt down and find cruises and cruise ships that are not going to be completely packed to the rafters and will have the best cruise experience. This is the techniques that I use.
Cruise lines are packing their ships full these days. They're admitting that they're selling at 100% or higher capacity. So, ships are really, really full, and I've seen this firsthand on a recent cruise, like MSC Cruises, Norwegian, or Caribbean, even Princess in Alaska. So, I want to share with you proven techniques to deal with managing crowds and avoiding crowds.
On my last cruise, a Windstar Fjords cruise, I posted clips on Instagram of the best attended event of my entire cruise. It immediately ignited a fiery, lively, and divided debate about if the event was a good idea or not. It got me thinking about other things that I talk about on social media or in my videos, that spark heated debates and where cruisers fall into “for” or “against” camps, with few on the fence. So, let's find out where you stand on these right now as I suspect that, like me, your stand is shifting as we face a new world of cruising.
After loving recent cruises on 600 and 700 passenger ships, like Oceania Insignia, Azamara Quest and Seabourn Encore, I wanted to see if going ever smaller was even better, so I booked myself on an 11-night Windstar Star Pride “Lands of the Midnight Suns”. Now this ship only holds 312 passengers, and they claim to be the market leading small ship line and have both these yacht style engine-driven ships that I went on, but they also have sailing vessels as well.
It took me 26 hours, three flights, and a time change of 12 hours to get to my French Polynesian cruise in one of the remotest parts of the world. It was brutal, and so how did it go once there – and do I recommend putting yourself though all that? I explore all of this in this video
I am often asked about river cruising and find many people do not fully understand what it is and is not, and this are the 6 things that I have come to appreciate about river cruising around the world that people need to know before they consider one
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” passenger and if it is worth paying the premium for the experience and the perks.
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There are so many rumours, beliefs, stories, and misconceptions about MSC Cruises with many drawn by their great fares but worried about the reports about the ships, food, service and entertainment. I cruised with them to uncover the latest
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 avoid falling for these...
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 many questions and concerns. Having done one, I have discovered the answers to those questions, and a few they should be asking but aren’t.
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 it worth taking this trip. It's complicated
I look 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 now catching cruise passengers while at home thinking or planning a cruise. This is the first of a two-part series about scams targeting cruise passengers right now, the other looks at scams in cruise ports
To make your Alaska Cruise the most memorable trip of your lifetime, try these 9 things I did that turned my Alaska Cruise into a life-changing and incredible trip of a lifetime Links mentioned in the video: * Alaska on Budget Booklet https://www.tipsfortravellers.com/AlaskaPorts or https://www.dropbox.com/s/pqesif229a5ycdw/Alaska%20on%20Budget%20PDF%20May-23.pdf?dl=0
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 what I recommended they do in each port based on my various trips there to still ensure an amazing and memorable time on their Alaskan cruise. Download my "Alaska Ports On A Budget" eBook at https://www.tipsfortravellers.com/AlaskaPorts or https://www.dropbox.com/s/pqesif229a5ycdw/Alaska%20on%20Budget%20PDF%20May-23.pdf?dl=0
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 cruisers before they go, including my good friends Graham and Pete - as I explain....
On recent cruise I met disappointed or frustrated passengers, while everything was going to great for me with no unpleasant surprises, and I realised it was due to some checks and things I learnt from smart cruisers to do in the the weeks and days before a cruise. So, here are 9 things that will transform and improve your cruise by doing them in the run up to leaving Links mentioned in the video: * My packing list: https://www.tipsfortravellers.com/packinglist
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 told me before going that would have meant I was better prepared and got even more from the trip.
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 is easy to slip out, get caught out and not quite get dining right.
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 too. I thought it was time to share these so you can also try them out and see of they make a big difference too.
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 ultra-luxury line (like Regent, Seabourn & Silversea), I look at which is better and why. And when you should stick on a "mainstream" line rather than go on an "ultra-luxury" cruise line.
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 is what they were and why....
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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, or plan to go on, also have crazy, mysterious or shocking hidden pasts.
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% more than other premium lines, like Celebrity, which Disney is more like. Is it worth it.....??
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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 is how it went, where I thought my high fare was (and wasn't going)
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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 biggest mistakes Caribbean cruisers fall for all the time
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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 sensibly (like me) scrimp and save to do as many of these as you can! Spoiler: 2 of the most popular are not in the best list!
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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 extract more cash from us today that I think are rip offs and what I do to reduce or avoid them so all you can too.
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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 the changes surprised even me who lived through them! This is one of a series of three videos drawing on all the experience from doing 100 cruises.
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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 over all those trips. Here are the 7 biggest ones. Some may surprise. I hope so. This is the first of a series of videos I have made to mark hitting this milestone.
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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 cruising over the Christmas holidays! And what you must consider before doing it!
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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 repeatedly get wrong or make mistakes about and the 9 things they want us to know as they are guaranteed to make our cruising experiences so much better.
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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 made since then so I don't always have to cruise solo on them! Here's how it went - and what I learnt about Holland America and taking cruisers back on lines they've not fans of!
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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 cruisers' vacation plans, so make sure you are in the know! From new ships to updates to onboard experiences, these changes are going to radically change the way cruisers travel. Watch this video to find out what's coming your way this year! These are 6 changes that are happening to cruise ships and cruising that I think will change the way we cruise this year and into next. Some of them are big and obvious and had a lot of coverage, but others are not being spoken about much and are quietly shifting but will accelerate and could impact the way you and I find our cruises in the next 12 – 24 months
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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% supplement most lines charge, how to avoid being left out or feeling lonely and make the most of cruising as a solo traveller.
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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, freebies, heavily discounted and free cruises – without seemingly gambling much money. Whether you are a small and timid player of slot machines or a big fan of playing the tables, you will discover all you need to know before playing.
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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 cruisers think
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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 cruising myths about Cunard among cruise passengers that I discuss, dispel, or explain why they may be only partly right. Cunard is not what most people think it is. I discuss topics including why despite being a very British line they use the US dollar and not the British Pound. Find out why and 7 other things you didn't know you needed to know.
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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 enjoyable.
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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 have added quirks or perks that make them more attractive than the others. So, which ones you should be quick off the mark to bag?
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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 passengers. Here is what anyone thinking of going on a Norway Fjords cruising vacation really needs to know
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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, going on a Disney cruising vacation. These are the 13 things that I found cruisers on a Disney Cruise Line need to know as it will make their cruise better – and ensure they do not miss out on
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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 and option for travellers like this as most fans of the line say it is. Discover if I had a Disney dream or Disney nightmare at sea.....
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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 cruisers should too. Become a Patron on Patreon and get perks: https://www.patreon.com/tipsfortravellers
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 Celebrity Cruising vacation. Become a Patron on Patreon and get perks: https://www.patreon.com/tipsfortravellers
I show you 7 jaw-dropping 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 about things like rollercoasters, go-kart tracks that thousands get to see every week.
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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 discuss what I found to be the at the 5 upsides and the 5 downsides of small ship cruise line cruising
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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 recent Princess cruises. Based on my 3 recent trips here’s 4 things they’re getting very wrong 4 things they’re getting very right.
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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 as up-front as they should be to travellers like you and me.
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No matter what type of cabin I’m cruising in, I do a series of checks the minute I get in. They’ve unlocked perks, they’ve even got me upgraded, and certainly made the cruise so much better. You should do these too!
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No matter what type of cabin I’m cruising in, I do a series of checks the minute I get in. They’ve unlocked perks, they’ve even got me upgraded, and certainly made the cruise so much better. You should do these too!
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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 alternative cruises the stakes are higher. These are the mistakes I see people cruising to Alaska keep making - so you can avoid them
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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 alternative cruises the stakes are higher. These are the mistakes I see people cruising to Alaska keep making - so you can avoid them
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I keep seeing cruise passengers making the same cruise disembarkation mistakes and have looked at what smart cruisers do to make it easier, less stressful and successful - making disembarkation more fun and not a wasted day - and these are the 7 things that they all do
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I keep seeing cruise passengers making the same cruise disembarkation mistakes and have looked at what smart cruisers do to make it easier, less stressful and successful - making disembarkation more fun and not a wasted day - and these are the 7 things that they all do
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My 10 must-do and tips for anyone considering or planning doing a Cunard Queen Mary 2 Transatlantic Crossing. These are the smart questions and things to do if you are thinking of doing, or have booked, a Cunard Transatlantic Crossing
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My 10 must-do and tips for anyone considering or planning doing a Cunard Queen Mary 2 Transatlantic Crossing. These are the smart questions and things to do if you are thinking of doing, or have booked, a Cunard Transatlantic Crossing
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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.
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.
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 and New York during my latest Crossing.
I look at what the latest is on cruise gratuities and why tipping cruise ship crew is fraught with issues
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 techniques I have found are more successful at being upgraded on a cruise as fewer are trying them
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 is like today. Here's what I found: the good and bad
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 cruising vacation simply by asking for them, or just by doing something simple. No matter how often you go on a cruise ship, there will be some free cruise stuff you did not know about in this video!
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 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
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 less than 3 minutes and saved me almost $2,000. I have pulled all these small but transformative things I do together as I want to share with you five small and simple things that you can do that, I genuinely believe will transform your next cruise. There are 5 small and easy changes I made that have had a huge positive impact on my cruises and on-board experience. They have really improved my cruising no end. You should try these 5 things as I am confident you will find they make a huge difference to your cruise, and should also leave more money in your pocket too...
Discover the things that smart and experienced cruise travellers have found works best to make for a stress-free, smooth and successful embarkation day. What you should do before, on the day, as soon as you are on board and on that first night to get the most of your first day boarding a cruise.
I explore the 6 Mediterranean cruise traps and blunders that cruise passengers fall into when thinking of cruising in the Mediterranean. Inspired by when a friend of mine wanted to cruise the Mediterranean for the first time and I saw all the mistakes she was about to make.
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 back to them, and recommend Oceania Cruises to other cruise passengers
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 for cruising the Panama Canal to help make sure you get what you can and should from that trip. I made many mistakes when I cruised the Panama Canal the first time, and since doing more Panama Canal transits I have seen other cruise passengers making the same mistakes. So, here are my Do's and Don'ts based on all of that.
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, and why.
I have revisited the 4 main classic premium cruise lines (Princess Cruises, Holland America, Celebrity Cruises and Cunard Cruise Line) to see how they have changed, what makes them different to each other and who they are now best for. Even if you think you know these lines, you may be surprised at how different they are to before.
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 can use to cruise more or get more cruise out of their budget
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 choosing them over the other options.
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 disembarked, affect enjoyment of your cruise or items confiscated.
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 a big impact on my thoughts about if I would consider returning to cruise on them, and who I would recommend them to
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 done a few foreign non-English speaking cruises before. Some of which had not gone so well. But finally on this trip, I found out when going on a foreign cruise line cruise does and does not make sense. As you will find out.
I am often asked is Princess Cruises or Celebrity Cruises better? Both of these premium cruise lines are popular and attract similar cruise travellers, but which offers the better cruise experience, value, ships and on-board facilities. I have cruised with both again recently, and this is what I found and think.
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 for living on a cruise ship permanently!
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 ships
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 cruising I had been on. Discover why, and what you need to know if you are thinking of going on a river cruise in Europe.
I went on an ultra-luxury cruise on Seabourn Cruises and after the first day I could not see what made it different to other "regular" cruises I had been on. But over the week I realised what ultra-luxury cruising on lines like Seabourn, Silversea Cruises, Regent Seven Seas and Ritz-Carlton is really all about - and why people so much money to go on them. It was not what I thought before I went.
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 much and discuss what I found, what I thought and how cruising on Celebrity Cruise line is different to before - and what I think what it means for you
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 attract to cruise on their 18+ adults-only cruise line? I cruised on Virgin Voyages to find out of "older" cruise passengers would be welcome, enjoy the line and fit in. This is what I discovered.... I cruised as a guest of Virgin Voyages, who covered the cost of my fare but not my additional on board expenses or travel to and from the ship.
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 if cruising in a cruise ship suite was different and better than the balcony cabin I cruise in. I booked in 5 cruise suites on 5 different cruise lines and found out things I did not know, but wish I had before I spend money on this as would have done it differently if I had
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 vacation. I put these 7 smart cruise tips and tricks to the test on a cruise to see how they fare and stack up. Find out how I get on and what I recommend based on that.
Links mentioned in the video: https://www.cruzely.com/cruise-line-drink-package-calculator/ https://www.cruisemummy.co.uk/cruise-drinks-package-calculator/
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 that I am sure you will not have thought of before, or at least like this, but could change the way you cruise and why significantly
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 cruise ships that seem a bit off, and share what I found out about why things that don't seem to make sense on a ship do, when you know why. This is a follow to from my first video that looked at other things that do not make sense on a cruise ship watch this video: https://youtu.be/dbNjIhzKrq8
Links mentioned in the video: Oceana - https://oceana.org
FOE Cruise Scorecard - http://www.foe.org/cruise-report-card
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 before. Theses three tips are things every cruise passenger should do before they switch or try and new cruise lines, especially if from a cruise line that you really enjoy. If I had done these three things I may have made a very different decision before going on this Saga Cruise.
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 out of Viking Ocean Cruise Lines are as good as their loyal fans say they are. I look at everything from the line, ships, facilities, cabins, service, and dining
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 normal? I have been on my first cruise (on Viking Venus) since the cruise shutdown and I test out against the 7things that make a cruise fun, enjoyable and relaxing if a post-covid cruise meets them. This is what I found out.
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 and tricks to cruise without breaking the bank. List of cruise lines and ships with solo cabins: https://www.tipsfortravellers.com/solocabins/
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 is one of the best, enjoyable, revealing and life-changing part of going on a cruise..and why
What is my secret to having problems or issues on a cruise solved successfully? Going to the Front Desk / Guest Relations does not usually get my cruising problem solved, and I discovered (through a combination of by chance and desperation) THE best and most successful way to get cruise issues solved. Discover how you can use this too
Discover why some 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 cruise ships that seem a bit off, and share what I found out about why things that don't seem to make sense on a ship do, when you know why.
What Are The Greatest Cruises in The World? Find out in this episode of Tips For Travellers....
What cruise extras and add-ons should you pay for, and which should you avoid? I look at the many cruising extras on offer that are not included in your fare, and which are worth paying and splashing out on, and which you should not - and why
7 Cruise Mistakes That Will Cost You Dearly if you are not careful. I discuss 7 easy-to-make and common cruising errors that cruise passengers make that ends up costing them money that could be spent on better and more enjoyable things. Many of these cruising slip-ups I learnt the hard way. Learn how to save money on your next cruise
6 cruises to avoid and steer clear of, when you next go on a cruise again. Don't waste your money on these 6 cruises I am going to warn you about. When choosing a cruise to go on, you need to pick one where you will have the greatest chance of having an incredible experience, for all the right reasons. Some of the cruises to avoid you may be surprised with, as they are often being touted as giving you bragging rights or as ultimate must-do cruises. But they are not, and I will tell you why.
Cruise Cabin mistakes and screw ups to avoid. Choosing a cruise cabin is much more important than any cruise passengers think. Not all cabin are equal, even in the same grade. Many cruisers say to me that a cruise cabin, or cruise stateroom as some cruise lines call them, is not that important as they do not intend to spend any time in them. Discover why this is a mistake that so many cruise passengers tell me they got wrong, along with other cruise cabin tips I have learnt (mostly the hard way)
6 cruises to avoid and steer clear of, when you plan to cruise again. Don't waste your money on any of these 6 cruises I am going to warn you about. When choosing a cruise to go on, you need to pick one where you will have the greatest chance of having an incredible experience, for all the right reasons. Some of the cruises to avoid you may be surprised with, as they are often being touted as giving you bragging rights or as ultimate must-do cruises. But they are not, and I will tell you why.
There are 9 cruises that you need to book way in advance to avoid disappointment later. Do not end up kicking yourself later by not moving fast and early enough to book any of these 9 cruises
What is the latest on cruising and vaccines? Cruising vaccinations is a hot , and divisive, topic. Will you need to have a vaccine to cruise? What about people who do not want to be vaccinated to go cruising? There are 6 key questions that you should be asking and need to know about when it comes to cruising and vaccination. I explore what you should really be asking, what we know and what the answers are - and those that are still uncertain
Discover the 9 ways you can be banned from cruising. Cruise lines ban a surprisingly large number of people from cruising. And you will be surprised at how you too may be unwittingly, and easily, added to that cruise ban list. A cruise ban list that has also just longer due post-pandemic cruising rules.
I explore why cruises have, and are, being treated differently to other travel? And look at if there really is a double standard, if cruising is being treated unfairly, or just about right based on what cruises and cruising is and is not. And why it may help cruising return and bounce back
What should you be doing if one of this year, or next, cruises gets cancelled from here onwards? I discuss what you now need to consider and what you should be doing based on whether you have just paid deposit or the final balance. Things have changed and steps you may have taken with booking a cruise is different from just a few months, or even weeks ago.
Do you want to cruise in 2021? I explore why you may be going about it in totally the wrong way. I discuss what I am doing to escape the on-going cycle of cruise booking, cruise cancellations, getting cancelled cruise refunds or cruise future cruise credit, and how you can ensure that you can go cruising in 2021 and be able to guarantee you will be on the first cruises that run when cruising resumes
Discover the 7 reasons you should be looking at 2022 and not 2021 cruises, including the surprising news that the cruise lines agree with this too! In this episode of Tips For Travellers, I look at why booking 2022 cruising vacations (or even 2023 cruises) and avoiding committing to 2021 right now and waiting, no matter how eager you are to go cruising, is your best bet by far.
Has the pandemic taken the “fun” out of cruising forever? I explore which of the 13 big changes cruise lines have made to be able to resume cruising around the world, are here to stay. And which changes will be dropped as the risks from the pandemic eases., and answer the question - will the changes being made to cruising take the fun out of cruising for ever.
Royal Caribbean is the world’s second largest cruise line (based on number of passengers). I explore what you need to know and some key watch outs if you are considering cruising with Royal Caribbean. I discuss things like what a Royal Caribbean resort cruise ships is like, what their best and worst features are, who they are best for, what sorts of cruise cabins and suites you can expect, their destinations and ports and more. The most important things you need to know about Royal Caribbean cruises
What are the best vacation options for cruisers while we can't cruise, or even don't want to cruise for a while. I look at the 6 very best alternatives to cruising that draw on the best parts of cruising, what makes a cruise vacation and avoids some of the things that cruise passengers prefer to avoid on their cruising vacation. These are all things that I have done and feel are a great alternative to a cruise vacation right now.
Princess Cruises were the first cruise line to introduce the Ocean Medallion smart wearable device that is supposed to change the way you cruise. It helps you board the ship faster, find your way around the ship, order food and drink to wherever you are on the ship, gamble and play games , locate your friends and more. But how does it really work? What are the pros and cons? Find out my thoughts, take and review of the Princess Cruises Ocean Medallion.
You're about to discover eight services that I think could change the way you cruise forever! In this, I talk about eight amazing, innovative and sometimes unusual services that I think could help travellers think about and cruise very differently . Some will help people cruise when they thought they could not.
SUPPORT THE CHANNEL BY: Buying my Cruise T-shirts: http://bit.ly/TFTStore and Booking your next cruise with CRUISEDIRECT.COM: http://bit.ly/TFTBookCruise
Gary Bembridge's Tips For Travellers aims to help you make more of your precious travel time and money on land and when cruising the oceans or rivers of the world. To help you, in every video I draw on my first-hand tips and advice from travelling every month for over 20 years and 60+ cruises.
Follow Tips For Travellers on: Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/garybembridge - Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/tipsfortravellers - Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/garybembridge
How can you cruise better and cheaper as a solo cruise passenger? I often cruise solo and have 8 tips and things you can do as a single travellers to have a great cruise experience and find ways to do it cheaper. Cruising solo can be costly as most lines charge up to double occupancy rates even for a single occupancy of a cabin. Find out the best lines, where to book, times to go, what to do once on board and other tips I have discovered on my cruising journey to date.
Gary Bembridge's Tips For Travellers aims to help you make more of your precious travel time and money on land and when cruising the oceans or rivers of the world. To help you, in every video I draw on my first-hand tips and advice from travelling every month for over 20 years and 75 cruises at time of recording this.
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Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/garybembridge
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There are at least 9 things you should never hide from your cruise line when booking, embarking and once on your cruising vacation. Some may seem obvious but some are less well-known but could cause you problems, stress and difficulty on your cruise if you try and hide or withhold these from the cruise line. Find out what I have discovered as being the things not to hide.
Who actually owns and operates the most popular and your favourite cruise lines? Be prepared for some surprises as I take a look at who the biggest cruise lines in the world are based on number of passengers carried, and then who owns and controls the lines. Although there are many cruise lines, they are all pretty much owned by three large cruise corporations. Discover who owns and operates the cruise lines you have heard of, love or considering cruising with.
Gary Bembridge's Tips For Travellers aims to help you make more of your precious travel time and money on land and when cruising the oceans or rivers of the world. To help you, in every video I draw on my first-hand tips and advice from travelling every month for over 20 years and 60+ cruises.
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Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/garybembridge
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/tipsfortravellers
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What are the things you should never do in your cruise cabin and stateroom? I explore the 11 big things that you should never do and why. Some of these are about being respectful of the crew and other passengers, but some could get you into trouble and even have you disembarked from the cruise. Are you guilty of any of these?
SUPPORT THE CHANNEL BY:
Buying my Cruise T-shirts: http://bit.ly/TFTStoreBooking your next cruise with CRUISEDIRECT.COM: http://bit.ly/TFTBookCruise
Gary Bembridge's Tips For Travellers aims to help you make more of your precious travel time and money on land and when cruising the oceans or rivers of the world. To help you, in every video I draw on my first-hand tips and advice from travelling every month for over 20 years and 74 cruises at time of recording.
Follow Tips For Travellers on:
Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/garybembridge
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/tipsfortravellers
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/garybembridge
Discover the 12 biggest cruise disembarkation day mistakes and blunders that you need to avoid. These are things that I have seen, heard from other cruisers they did and even did myself. There are 12 top tips and things to watch out for and do to make sure you have a smooth, stress free and good embarkation from your cruise.
SUPPORT THE CHANNEL BY:
Buying my Cruise T-shirts: http://bit.ly/TFTStore
Booking your next cruise with CRUISEDIRECT.COM: http://bit.ly/TFTBookCruise
Gary Bembridge's Tips For Travellers aims to help you make more of your precious travel time and money on land and when cruising the oceans or rivers of the world. To help you, in every video I draw on my first-hand tips and advice from travelling every month for over 20 years and 60+ cruises.
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I give the answers to 8 of the more offbeat, unconventional and unusual questions that many passengers, including me at one time, were afraid or embarrassed to ask. I explore everything from what water is in the toilets to how many people die on a cruise and what happens to the body and what waste is (and is not) out into the ocean. Find out the answers to some of the more offbeat questions many cruise passengers have about cruise ships and cruising.
SUPPORT THE CHANNEL BY:
Buying my Cruise T-shirts: http://bit.ly/TFTStoreBooking your next cruise with CRUISEDIRECT.COM: http://bit.ly/TFTBookCruise
Gary Bembridge's Tips For Travellers aims to help you make more of your precious travel time and money on land and when cruising the oceans or rivers of the world. To help you, in every video I draw on my first-hand tips and advice from travelling every month for over 20 years and 74 cruises at time of making this video.
Follow Tips For Travellers on:
- Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/garybembridge
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/tipsfortravellers
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/garybembridge
Is Saga Cruises the best cruise line for your cruise vacation? In this I explore what I think Saga Cruises do better, the same or worse than other premium cruise lines. I also look at who they are and who they are most suited for and why. Saga Cruises is a UK-based line with a different take on a number of areas of cruising, which you will discover...
Note: I travelled as a guest of the cruise line a number of times over the last few years before making this video
SUPPORT THE CHANNEL BY:
Buying my Cruise T-shirts: http://bit.ly/TFTStoreBooking your next cruise with CRUISEDIRECT.COM: http://bit.ly/TFTBookCruise
Gary Bembridge's Tips For Travellers aims to help you make more of your precious travel time and money on land and when cruising the oceans or rivers of the world. To help you, in every video I draw on my first-hand tips and advice from travelling every month for over 20 years and 60+ cruises.
Follow Tips For Travellers on:
- Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/garybembridge- Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/tipsfortravellers
What are the 8 best things you can do on Norwegian Encore cruise ship for free, as they are included within your cruise fare? Norwegian Encore launched in November 2019 and, like the rest of the Norwegian Cruise Line fleet, has lots of choice and facilities. However, many of these do costs a fee above your cruise fare to use, including some restaurants, activities and facilities. So, I reveal what the very best things you can do on board Norwegian Encore that you do not have to pay extra to do. Some, I hope will surprise and please you!
Note: I travelled as a guest of the cruise line before making this video on a short shakedown cruise before the ship went to fare-paying passenger service
SUPPORT THE CHANNEL BY:
Buying my Cruise T-shirts: http://bit.ly/TFTStore
Booking your next cruise with CRUISEDIRECT.COM: http://bit.ly/TFTBookCruisE
Gary Bembridge's Tips For Travellers aims to help you make more of your precious travel time and money on land and when cruising the oceans or rivers of the world. To help you, in every video I draw on my first-hand tips and advice from travelling every month for over 20 years and 60+ cruises.
Follow Tips For Travellers on:
- Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/garybembridge
- Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/tipsfortravellers
- Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/garybembridge
Discover the 10 biggest cruise rip offs that you need to watch out for, and tips on how to avoid or overcome them. There are a number of things that, if you are not careful, you could find you are being ripped off and spending too much on. These are the 10 main rip offs that I have seen and watch out for when I go cruising.
SUPPORT THE CHANNEL BY:
Buying my Cruise T-shirts: http://bit.ly/TFTStore
Booking your next cruise with CRUISEDIRECT.COM: http://bit.ly/TFTBookCruise
Gary Bembridge's Tips For Travellers aims to help you make more of your precious travel time and money on land and when cruising the oceans or rivers of the world. To help you, in every video I draw on my first-hand tips and advice from travelling every month for over 20 years and 74 cruises to date.
Follow Tips For Travellers on:
- Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/garybembridge
- Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/tipsfortravellers
- Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/garybembridge
Discover the 10 tips I have for making sure you have the very best cruise possible on Princess Cruises. I have cruised with Princess Cruises a number of times and these are the things that `I have learnt make for having the best cruising vacation with the cruise line. Hope these help make your Princess Cruise a great one.
Note: I travelled as a guest of the cruise line a number of times before making this video. Princess Cruises had no input on the content of this video.
SUPPORT THE CHANNEL BY:
Buying my Cruise T-shirts: http://bit.ly/TFTStore
Booking your next cruise with CRUISEDIRECT.COM: http://bit.ly/TFTBookCruise
Gary Bembridge's Tips For Travellers aims to help you make more of your precious travel time and money on land and when cruising the oceans or rivers of the world. To help you, in every video I draw on my first-hand tips and advice from travelling every month for over 20 years and 74 cruises.
Follow Tips For Travellers on:
- Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/garybembridge
- Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/tipsfortravellers
- Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/garybembridge
What are the 9 worst cruise packing mistakes cruisers can (and Do) Make? I discuss the main things that cruise passengers get wrong when packing for their cruise vacation, along with watch-outs and things to be careful of based on where you are cruising to.
SUPPORT THE CHANNEL BY:
Buying my Cruise T-shirts: http://bit.ly/TFTStore
Booking your next cruise with CRUISEDIRECT.COM: http://bit.ly/TFTBookCruise
Gary Bembridge's Tips For Travellers aims to help you make more of your precious travel time and money on land and when cruising the oceans or rivers of the world. To help you, in every video I draw on my first-hand tips and advice from travelling every month for over 20 years and 60+ cruises.
Follow Tips For Travellers on:
- Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/garybembridge
- Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/tipsfortravellers
- Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/garybembridge
What are the pros and cons of cruising on a Princess Cruises cruising vacation. I explore the best and worst things about a cruise with Princess. The things you need to watch out for and be aware of, as well as the great things about cruising on Princess Cruises. This luxury / premium cruise line is the Thord most popular line based on number of passengers they carry every year. Only Carnival Cruises and Royal Caribbean lines carry more. So, want are the Princess Cruises Pros and Cons?
SUPPORT THE CHANNEL BY:
Buying my Cruise T-shirts: http://bit.ly/TFTStore
Booking your next cruise with CRUISEDIRECT.COM: http://bit.ly/TFTBookCruise
Gary Bembridge's Tips For Travellers aims to help you make more of your precious travel time and money on land and when cruising the oceans or rivers of the world. To help you, in every video I draw on my first-hand tips and advice from travelling every month for over 20 years and 60+ cruises.
Follow Tips For Travellers on:
- Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/garybembridge
- Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/tipsfortravellers
- Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/garybembridge
As cruise ships get larger and cruising becoming more popular, cruise ports can get very crowded with cruise passengers. There can be between 15,000 and 20,000 passengers arriving at a port one any one day. What can you do to avoid the crowds and have a great time in a cruise port away from the mass of other cruising people there too? Over the many cruises I have done, over 73 at time of making this, I have found 8 great and proven ways to avoid the crowds in a cruise port. Hope these help you have a great time in every port you call on on your cruise vacation.
SUPPORT THE CHANNEL BY:
Buying my Cruise T-shirts: http://bit.ly/TFTStore
Booking your next cruise with CRUISEDIRECT.COM: http://bit.ly/TFTBookCruise
Gary Bembridge's Tips For Travellers aims to help you make more of your precious travel time and money on land and when cruising the oceans or rivers of the world. To help you, in every video I draw on my first-hand tips and advice from travelling every month for over 20 years and 60+ cruises.
Follow Tips For Travellers on:
- Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/garybembridge
- Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/tipsfortravellers
- Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/garybembridge
Discover the 11 Costly Cruise Mistakes that cruise passengers make most often, And how you can avoid making them. Drawing on the 73 cruises I have done to date, and the mistakes that I either made or seen other cruisers make, this is the list of things you need to be aware of to make sure you do not waste money, spend too much or have to fork out a lot of extra money when cruising.
SUPPORT THE CHANNEL BY:
Buying my Cruise T-shirts: http://bit.ly/TFTStore
Booking your next cruise with CRUISEDIRECT.COM: http://bit.ly/TFTBookCruise
Gary Bembridge's Tips For Travellers aims to help you make more of your precious travel time and money on land and when cruising the oceans or rivers of the world. To help you, in every video I draw on my first-hand tips and advice from travelling every month for over 20 years and 60+ cruises.
Follow Tips For Travellers on:
- Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/garybembridge
- Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/tipsfortravellers
- Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/garybembridge
There are at least 10 good reasons, and times, that you should stay on board your cruise ship when it is in port. Discover the times, and why, you should consider enjoying what your cruise ship has to offer rather than venturing on to land to explore. Cruising is, of course, about seeing places but you are also spending money for a ship that has lots to offer. Find out what and (importantly) when you should stay on board the cruise ship in port.
SUPPORT THE CHANNEL BY:
Buying my Cruise T-shirts: http://bit.ly/TFTStore
Booking your next cruise with CRUISEDIRECT.COM: http://bit.ly/TFTBookCruise
Gary Bembridge's Tips For Travellers aims to help you make more of your precious travel time and money on land and when cruising the oceans or rivers of the world. To help you, in every video I draw on my first-hand tips and advice from travelling every month for over 20 years and 60+ cruises.
Follow Tips For Travellers on:
- Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/garybembridge
- Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/tipsfortravellers
- Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/garybembridge
Discover the 9 top tips and tricks to make your cruise embarkation day fast, stress-free and sets you up for the most enjoyable cruise vacation you can have. I explore the watch-outs and things to focus on drawing on my experiences of setting off on 73 cruises to date. I have learnt, sometimes the hard way, on the things to watch out for, to be ready for and how to make cruise embarkation day easy and get you into your cruise as quickly as possible.
Once you have watched this, why not watch one of these popular recent videos:
10 Cabins to Avoid: https://youtu.be/PgTGLma919A
European River Cruise Watch-Outs: https://youtu.be/oqhz54wStyk
5 Cruises To Avoid: https://youtu.be/CNiPzK4IRWA
Alaska Cruise Need-to-Knows: https://youtu.be/Tn7dpNw5kSI
Things Cruise Lines Don’t Want You to Know: https://youtu.be/cs5UKha9ALc
Rules Passengers Break Most: https://youtu.be/djZLZ3XV_f0
Things You Can’t Do On A Cruise Any More: https://youtu.be/zas6F4wMD0Q
Should You Pay Cruise Gratuities: https://youtu.be/QBYzqxXjEXQ
SUPPORT THE CHANNEL BY:
Buying my Cruise T-shirts: http://bit.ly/TFTStore
Booking your next cruise with CRUISEDIRECT.COM: http://bit.ly/TFTBookCruise
Gary Bembridge's Tips For Travellers aims to help you make more of your precious travel time and money on land and when cruising the oceans or rivers of the world. To help you, in every video I draw on my first-hand tips and advice from travelling every month for over 20 years and 60+ cruises.
Follow Tips For Travellers on:
- Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/garybembridge
- Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/tipsfortravellers
- Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/garybembridge
What are the 4 Things You Really Need To Know Before Cruising with Seabourn Cruises? I explore the ultra-luxury Seabourn Cruise Line and discuss for essential things about them to help you decide if this is the best, or right, cruise line for your cruising vacation, including what Seabourn is, what they do better and the same as other ultra-luxury cruise lines, what your fare really gets (and does not get you) and who the line is best for.
Note: I travelled as a guest of the cruise line before making this video
Buy my Cruise T-shirts: http://bit.ly/TFTStore
USA cruisers get great cruise deals CRUISEDIRECT.COM: http://bit.ly/TFTBookCruise
** UK Cruisers get great cruise deals with CRUISE.CO.UK: http://bit.ly/BookCruiseUK
Gary Bembridge's Tips For Travellers aims to help you make more of your precious travel time and money on land and when cruising the oceans or rivers of the world. To help you, in every video I draw on my first-hand tips and advice from travelling every month for over 20 years and 60+ cruises.
Follow Tips For Travellers on:
- Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/garybembridge
- Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/tipsfortravellers
- Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/garybembridge
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Discover the 7 essential things you need to know about Seabourn Cruises Entire cruise ship. Things you really need to know if you are interested in cruising on this luxury cruise ship. I tour all aspects of the ship and share my views on what os good and works less well. I explore many aspects of the ship including dining options, bars and lounges, fitness, entertainment, facilities and experience. Seabourn Cruises is one of the ultra-luxury cruise lines and Seabourn Encore was the first of a new class of ships for the cruise line. The sister ship is called Seabourn Ovation, and os basically the same ship.
Note: I travelled as a guest of the Seabourn Cruises before making this video. They had no input on the opinions or content of this video.
Buy my Cruise T-shirts: http://bit.ly/TFTStore
USA cruisers get great cruise deals CRUISEDIRECT.COM: http://bit.ly/TFTBookCruise
** UK Cruisers get great cruise deals with CRUISE.CO.UK: http://bit.ly/BookCruiseUK
Gary Bembridge's Tips For Travellers aims to help you make more of your precious travel time and money on land and when cruising the oceans or rivers of the world. To help you, in every video I draw on my first-hand tips and advice from travelling every month for over 20 years and 60+ cruises.
Follow Tips For Travellers on:
- Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/garybembridge
- Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/tipsfortravellers
- Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/garybembridge
#SeabournCruises #SeabournEncore #CruiseShipTour
What are the main differences between a European canal hotel barge cruise and a river cruise? I think there are 8 key things you need to know that makes a canal cruise different to a river cruise. By understanding how they differ you can better decide is a river cruise or canal hotel barge cruise is best for your next European river cruising vacation
Note: I travelled as a guest of CroisiEurope on a 6-night hotel barge cruise in France before making this video Croisieurope had no input into the opinions or content of this video.
Buy my Cruise T-shirts: http://bit.ly/TFTStore
USA cruisers get great cruise deals CRUISEDIRECT.COM: http://bit.ly/TFTBookCruise
** UK Cruisers get great cruise deals with CRUISE.CO.UK: http://bit.ly/BookCruiseUK
Gary Bembridge's Tips For Travellers aims to help you make more of your precious travel time and money on land and when cruising the oceans or rivers of the world. To help you, in every video I draw on my first-hand tips and advice from travelling every month for over 20 years and 60+ cruises.
Follow Tips For Travellers on:
- Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/garybembridge
- Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/tipsfortravellers
- Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/garybembridge
Cruise drinks packages are becoming increasingly popular. Most cruise lines offer them, and actively promote and encourage cruising passengers to buy one. However, is a drinks package right for you? I explore 8 reasons and times that a drinks package on a cruise ship is probably not worth buying. Cruise lines often have different levels and types of drinks packages, such as lines like Royal Caribbean, Carnival, Norwegian Cruise Line and Celebrity, and what should you be thinking about if deciding between these. Discover if a drinks package is right for you, and the watch-outs and things to consider.
Watch my video about the unusual ways cruisers smuggle alcohol on a cruise: https://youtu.be/xTICZTwMYkY
Buy my Cruise T-shirts: http://bit.ly/TFTStore
USA cruisers get great cruise deals CRUISEDIRECT.COM: http://bit.ly/TFTBookCruise
** UK Cruisers get great cruise deals with CRUISE.CO.UK: http://bit.ly/BookCruiseUK
Gary Bembridge's Tips For Travellers aims to help you make more of your precious travel time and money on land and when cruising the oceans or rivers of the world. To help you, in every video I draw on my first-hand tips and advice from travelling every month for over 20 years and 60+ cruises.
Follow Tips For Travellers on:
- Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/garybembridge
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I am not suggesting, or recommending, you should sneak booze on your next next cruising vacation as you could, in worst case, risk being refused boarding if caught. However despite this, there are cruisers who use surprising and unusual techniques to smuggle alcohol on to a cruise ship to avoid having to buy drinks on board. In this video I explore the different ways that people are using to sneak their alcohol onto their cruise ship. The cost of drinking on a cruise is increasing, and with some of the drinks packages you could be spending almost as much as the cruise itself costs and some travellers are resorting to innovative methods to bring their own alcohol onto cruise ships. There are even companies making products, devices and accessories specifically designed to assist.
Is a hotel barge cruise better than a river cruise in Europe? I explore 5 times, and types of travellers, where a European barge hotel cruise is likely to be the best way to cruise through Europe. River cruising in Europe has become very popular, but less travellers know there is an alternative way to cruise the European Waterways - hotel barges that cruise the canals and rivers of Europe. Discover if they are a better option for your European vacation
Note: I travelled as a guest of CroisiEurope on a 6-night French cruise on their Deborah hotel barge along the Yonne and Seine from Sens to Paris. The cost of the cabin would have been £2043 / $2500 per person sharing. CroisiEurope had no input on the content or opinions expressed in this video.
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** UK Cruisers get great cruise deals with CRUISE.CO.UK: http://bit.ly/BookCruiseUK
Gary Bembridge's Tips For Travellers aims to help you make more of your precious travel time and money on land and when cruising the oceans or rivers of the world. To help you, in every video I draw on my first-hand tips and advice from travelling every month for over 20 years and 60+ cruises.
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How can you get free things on your next cruise, and get much more bang for your cruising bucks? I discuss the 6 main areas of cruise freebies that are available, if you go and ask for them or seek them out. They are not things that cruise brochures and websites usually reveal, or talk about. I tell you the things to focus on and how to get as many free things as you possibly can, including drinks, special food, gifts, spa treatments, better and improved cabins and more.
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USA cruisers get great cruise deals CRUISEDIRECT.COM: http://bit.ly/TFTBookCruise
** UK Cruisers get great cruise deals with CRUISE.CO.UK: http://bit.ly/BookCruiseUK
Gary Bembridge's Tips For Travellers aims to help you make more of your precious travel time and money on land and when cruising the oceans or rivers of the world. To help you, in every video I draw on my first-hand tips and advice from travelling every month for over 20 years and 60+ cruises.
Follow Tips For Travellers on:
- Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/garybembridge
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What are the best European river cruise lines? I discuss the 6, based on my numerous river cruises through Europe that I recommend that you consider for your first or next river cruise in Europe. I review and discuss lines ranging from premium to more value, and those in between. These are the 6 best river cruise lines to consider. Which one sounds right and best for you?
Buy my Cruise T-shirts: http://bit.ly/TFTStore
USA cruisers get great cruise deals CRUISEDIRECT.COM: http://bit.ly/TFTBookCruise
** UK Cruisers get great cruise deals with CRUISE.CO.UK: http://bit.ly/BookCruiseUK
Gary Bembridge's Tips For Travellers aims to help you make more of your precious travel time and money on land and when cruising the oceans or rivers of the world. To help you, in every video I draw on my first-hand tips and advice from travelling every month for over 20 years and 60+ cruises.
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What are 10 essential and best must-do cruises and cruise destinations in the world? What do I believe are the very best cruising vacations and destinations that should be on your cruising bucket list? Based on my experience of doing 68 cruises around the world (at time of recording), I talk about the 10 very best cruises that I recommend anyone who loves or wants to do cruising should consider. How many have you done? How many of the cruises are on your bucket list and you want to do having watched these 10 best cruises?
Buy my Cruise T-shirts: http://bit.ly/TFTStore
USA cruisers get great cruise deals CRUISEDIRECT.COM: http://bit.ly/TFTBookCruise
** UK Cruisers get great cruise deals with CRUISE.CO.UK: http://bit.ly/BookCruiseUK
Gary Bembridge's Tips For Travellers aims to help you make more of your precious travel time and money on land and when cruising the oceans or rivers of the world. To help you, in every video I draw on my first-hand tips and advice from travelling every month for over 20 years and 60+ cruises.
Follow Tips For Travellers on:
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Should you cruise to Iceland? If you want to visit Iceland what are the pros and cons of cruising over doing a land-based visit. There are many good things about taking a cruise, and I explore the 6 best pros of cruising to Iceland before looking at the 3 top things you need to consider that may make a land-based trip a better option for you.
Note: I travelled as a guest of Saga Cruises on a round Iceland cruise when making this video. A lot of the footage and tips also draw on my Voyages To Antiquity cruise to Iceland last year too.
Buy my Cruise T-shirts: http://bit.ly/TFTStore
USA cruisers get great cruise deals CRUISEDIRECT.COM: http://bit.ly/TFTBookCruise
** UK Cruisers get great cruise deals with CRUISE.CO.UK: http://bit.ly/BookCruiseUK
Gary Bembridge's Tips For Travellers aims to help you make more of your precious travel time and money on land and when cruising the oceans or rivers of the world. To help you, in every video I draw on my first-hand tips and advice from travelling every month for over 20 years and 60+ cruises.
Follow Tips For Travellers on:
- Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/garybembridge
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Discover the 10 things that you should never do on a cruise ship balcony. Some of them are rules from the cruise line, which if you break you could find yourself thrown off your cruising vacation (or even banned by the cruise line for life!). Some are things that will make your and the other cruisers around you have a more enjoyable cruise. And some even could save you a lot of embarrassment....
Buy my Cruise T-shirts: http://bit.ly/TFTStore
USA cruisers get great cruise deals CRUISEDIRECT.COM: http://bit.ly/TFTBookCruise
** UK Cruisers get great cruise deals with CRUISE.CO.UK: http://bit.ly/BookCruiseUK
Gary Bembridge's Tips For Travellers aims to help you make more of your precious travel time and money on land and when cruising the oceans or rivers of the world. To help you, in every video I draw on my first-hand tips and advice from travelling every month for over 20 years and 60+ cruises.
Follow Tips For Travellers on:
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What are the unusual, surprising and even rude theme cruises that you can go on? I look at 9 of the theme cruises on the seas that you could go on (if they appeal!). Many groups and organisations charter entire cruise ships and run themed cruise vacations - some of which you may find very remarkable. Discover the 9 types of theme cruises many travellers may find surprising and unusual.
Buy my Cruise T-shirts: http://bit.ly/TFTStore
USA cruisers get great cruise deals CRUISEDIRECT.COM: http://bit.ly/TFTBookCruise
** UK Cruisers get great cruise deals with CRUISE.CO.UK: http://bit.ly/BookCruiseUK
Gary Bembridge's Tips For Travellers aims to help you make more of your precious travel time and money on land and when cruising the oceans or rivers of the world. To help you, in every video I draw on my first-hand tips and advice from travelling every month for over 20 years and 60+ cruises.
Follow Tips For Travellers on:
- Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/garybembridge
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Discover what it is like to fly Air Tahiti Nui Boeing Dreamliner in Poerava Business Class. I discuss and review the aircraft, layout, seats, food, drink, service and facilities on board. Find out of this airline and business class is a thumbs up or thumbs down from me.
Note: I received a discount off the full fare price of my Air Tahiti Business class flight from Paris to Papeete Tahiti. The airline had no input of the content or opinions expressed in my video.
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Buy one of my unique Cruise T-shirts: http://bit.ly/TFTStore
** Get great cruise deals via CRUISEDIRECT.COM: http://bit.ly/TFTBookCruise
Gary Bembridge's Tips For Travellers aims to help you make more of your precious travel time and money on land and when cruising the oceans or rivers of the world. To help you, in every video I draw on my first-hand tips and advice from travelling every month for over 20 years and 60+ cruises.
Follow Tips For Travellers on:
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Come aboard the Paul Gauguin cruise ship as I discuss the ship and the 7 things I think you need to know, and the 5 important watch-outs you need to consider before cruising on this luxury cruise ship. The Paul Gauguin cruises out of Tahiti on cruise vacations around the French Polynesia islands on cruising vacations from 7 to 14 nights. I show you the facilities on the ship.
Note: I travelled as a guest of Paul Gauguin before making this video. They had no input on the opinions or content of this video.
Buy my Cruise T-shirts: http://bit.ly/TFTStore
USA cruisers get great cruise deals CRUISEDIRECT.COM: http://bit.ly/TFTBookCruise
** UK Cruisers get great cruise deals with CRUISE.CO.UK: http://bit.ly/BookCruiseUK
Gary Bembridge's Tips For Travellers aims to help you make more of your precious travel time and money on land and when cruising the oceans or rivers of the world. To help you, in every video I draw on my first-hand tips and advice from travelling every month for over 20 years and 60+ cruises.
Follow Tips For Travellers on:
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Saga Cruises launched Spirit of Discovery in July 2019, the first of two sister cruise ships (Spirit of Adventure in 2020). These are the first new-build ships for cruising ever for Saga, why had previously bought and refurbished existing cruise ships. The Spirit of Discovery holds 999 passengers and in this I discuss the 8 things that I think are best about the ship, and show and explain why. I also talk about one major watch-out and issue that could stop you from cruising.
Note: I travelled as a guest of the cruise line on a pre-naming cruise before making this video. Saga Cruises had no input in the video and content.
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Buy one of my unique Cruise T-shirts: http://bit.ly/TFTStore
** Get great cruise deals via CRUISEDIRECT.COM: http://bit.ly/TFTBookCruise
Gary Bembridge's Tips For Travellers aims to help you make more of your precious travel time and money on land and when cruising the oceans or rivers of the world. To help you, in every video I draw on my first-hand tips and advice from travelling every month for over 20 years and 60+ cruises.
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I reveal my top and best cruise hacks, tips and tricks that will help you make the most of your cruising vacation in 2019 and 2020. These cruising tips are things that I have learnt to help me get better cruise fares, save money on board a cruise ship, pack better and smarter, find the best cabin, find and save money on excursions and lots more. These are all proven and should help you. Enjoy these cruising hacks, tips and tricks.
Subscribe to my channel: http://bit.ly/TFT_YouTube2
Buy one of my unique Cruise T-shirts: http://bit.ly/TFTStore
** Get great cruise deals via CRUISEDIRECT.COM: http://bit.ly/TFTBookCruise
Gary Bembridge's Tips For Travellers aims to help you make more of your precious travel time and money on land and when cruising the oceans or rivers of the world. To help you, in every video I draw on my first-hand tips and advice from travelling every month for over 20 years and 60+ cruises.
Follow Tips For Travellers on:
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Do you have a cruise or travel bucket list? If so, should a French Polynesia cruise be on that list? In this I discuss the Tahiti and French Polynesia region and review what I think are the 4 pros and the 4 cons of cruising that I believe you should consider as you consider this as a cruising vacation option. I travelled to the region, which is pretty remote to explore. It takes well over 8 hours to fly from Los Angeles and the trip from Europe is 21 hours. It is very unique, different and beautiful. But, is it worth going all the way there? Find out what to expect and if I think you should add this to your travel and cruise bucket list - especially when there are so many other things you could have on your travel and cruise bucket list.
Note: Some of the costs of my trip to French Polynesia were covered by Paul Gauguin Cruises and Air Tahiti Nui before making this video.
Subscribe to my channel: http://bit.ly/TFT_YouTube2
Buy one of my unique Cruise T-shirts: http://bit.ly/TFTStore
** Get great cruise deals via CRUISEDIRECT.COM: http://bit.ly/TFTBookCruise
Gary Bembridge's Tips For Travellers aims to help you make more of your precious travel time and money on land and when cruising the oceans or rivers of the world. To help you, in every video I draw on my first-hand tips and advice from travelling every month for over 20 years and 60+ cruises.
Follow Tips For Travellers on:
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Celebrity Edge is the third class, or type, of ship in the Celebrity Cruises Fleet. The first ship was Celebrity Edge in 2018, followed by Celebrity Apex in 2020. After spending time on the ship, and talking to cruise passengers, I review this new class of ship and discuss what is new and different, and what is good or poor about the ship - and who I think it is best for. This should help you decide if the Celebrity Edge ships are right for your cruising vacation.
Get my Cruise T-shirts at my store at https://www.tipsfortravellers.com/store
Get a great Cruise deals via CRUISEDIRECT.COM at https://www.tipsfortravellers.com/CruiseDirectYT
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People often tell me their cruise cabin is not important as its just a place to sleep and get ready, until they have a bad experience of a noisy cabin that disrupts and affects enjoyment of their cruising vacation. I share 5 key steps to finding and ensuring you get a great cruise cabin on a cruise ship. Discover how to find the best cruise staterooms and exactly how to choose a cruise ship cabin. Also watch my video about cruise upgrades: https://youtu.be/id160Wqmrj0
Gary Bembridge's Tips For Travellers aims to help you make more of your precious travel time and money on land and when cruising the oceans or rivers of the world. To help you, in every video I draw on my first-hand tips and advice from travelling every month for over 20 years and 60+ cruises.
Discover the 9 most important packaging tips for your next cruise. The things you need to think about, what to take and also what you should and can leave behind on your cruising vacation, and why. In this I also look at what you should be packing and taking in your hand luggage and check in bags, and why. These are the 9 most important things you need to prepare and do when packing for your next cruise. I cover topics that include what clothes to bring, bathroom essentials, electronics, allowances and exclusions by the cruise lines and essentials for your cabin to make the cruise more enjoyable and run smoothly.
Discover 12 habits and things cruisers do on a cruise that annoy other cruise passengers the most. Things I have seen on my many cruises, watch cruise fans discussing on cruising forums and reading complaints about. 12 common practices, habits and things cruise guests do that drive other passengers crazy. Are you guilty of any of these? Do some or all of these drive you crazy? Or, do you not see why they upset other cruise guests?
Discover the (sometimes surprising!) things you can no longer do on a cruise and cruise ship. How many of these did you know about? Got any to add that I missed? I look forward to you listening (or watching the video version: https://youtu.be/zas6F4wMD0Q )
There are (at least) 9 things that you used to be able to do on a cruise that you are not able to do any more. Discover what things cruisers are not allowed to do on a cruise ship. Whilst some may be obvious, there are quite a few surprises. These cruise tips, secrets and facts will, hopefully, entertain as well as inform you. How many things did you not know you are not allowed to do on your cruise and cruising vacation now?
Interested in river cruising in Europe? I discuss the 8 things that anyone considering a European river cruise needs to know before they go. Based on my numerous river cruises I discuss tips including how it compares to ocean cruises, how to choose the right river cruise line, why the fares at first look seem expensive, what to focus on when selecting the best itinerary, which rivers to focus on, when to go and who it is best suited for.
If you go on a Viking River Cruise in Europe you are going to be on one of their Longships. All are the same size, layout and design. On a few rivers in Europe, like the Douro, there is a scaled down version but on the main rivers you will be on one of these ships. I talk and show you through 4 things you need to know about, like what they are and what is consistent, the range of cabin options, the facilities and (importantly) what they do not have that some other river cruise ships have. Also watch my video about Viking Cruise Lines and key watch-outs and must-knows before cruising with them: https://youtu.be/nrTPiuJUCZw
Note: I did travel as a guest of Viking River Cruises before making this video. They covered my fare in a 7-night Danube cruise on the Viking Vilhjalm. The fare for the standard cabin would have been £2,645 (US $3,000) including flights and transfers from London Heathrow to and from the ship.
Viking River Cruises is probably the best known European river cruising company, and has a wide range of river cruise options in Europe. Before you decide to go on a European river cruise with Viking River Cruises, I share with you 6 important watch outs and things I think you need to know. All things I would like to have known in detail before I did a river cruise with them. I explore things like what they offer, the on board facilities and experience, what the Viking river cruise fare covers, which they are best suited for ( and who your likely passengers will be) and the dress code.
Note: I did travel as a guest of Viking River Cruises before making this video. They covered my fare in a 7-night Danube cruise on the Viking Vilhjalm. The fare for the standard cabin would have been £2,645 (US $3,000) including flights and transfers from London Heathrow to and from the ship.
Discover 8 important watch-outs and things you need to know about doing a cruise to Antarctica. It is on many traveller’s bucket lists, and it is a magnificent experience. However, there are at least 8 things that the brochures and websites encouraging and advertising Antartica cruises do not always talk about or make clear to potential cruisers. I share the 8 things that I think you really need to know about Antarctica cruising. It is a very costly travel experience and before you spend at least $10,000 per traveller to go you need to know these
Celebrity Cruises is a large and popular premium cruise line. But, cruise lines are not perfect. In this I explore what is good and what is bad about Celebrity Cruises, especially versus other premium cruise lines they compete with. Discover if the bad outweighs the good and if I think I would (and you should or should not) cruise on Celebrity.
Note: I paid for the cruise I made this on myself. My fare for a 7-night Western Caribbean cruise travelling solo in a balcony cabin on Celebrity Equinox cost me US $ 3,380 / UK £ 2,592
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Discover the most important watch-outs and things you need to know about Silversea Expeditions before you cruise on an expedition cruise with them. Expedition cruises are costly and you need to make sure, before spending a lot of money on one, if Silversea Cruises is right for your expedition cruising vacation. Be it the Arctic, Antartica, Galapagos or some other part of the world. In this I explore things like who and what Silversea Expeditions is, what they do better, the same or worse than other expedition cruise lines and who Silversea Expedition cruises are most suited for (and who not).
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What are the worst things about going on a cruise to Antarctica? Discover the 5 most important issues and challenges you will face and experience if you want to do an Antarctica cruise. And find out if these should make you reconsider visiting Antarctica. Also watch my "5 Best Things About An Antarctica Cruise" video: https://youtu.be/99HANPY2TSU
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An Antarctica cruise and visit is a dream or goal for many travellers. It is a unique and special experience. I discuss the 5 very best things that you will feel, see and do if you go on an Antarctica cruise.I show you the sights, wildlife (including penguins, whales, seals and birds) and the range of expedition activities you can expect. The five very best things you can expect on an Antarctica cruise. Also watch my other videos, including part two of this where I talk about and show the five "worst" things about an Antarctica cruise. All things you need to know before you spend the thousands it will cost to go to Antarctica.
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Silversea Cruises Silver Cloud was converted into an expedition ship from as regular cruise ship in 2017. I went on the shop to Antarctica and I share my thoughts about the ship, what I liked and what thought had some opportunities. I take you on a tour of the ship and a Verandah suite (the main class of suites on the ship), and discuss the facilities, features and the choices available on this luxury expedition cruise ship.
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Cruise upgrades to a better cabin is something that most cruisers hope they will get. However, have you ever considered that an upgrade could ruin your cruise. All upgrades are not going to make your vacation better. I explore the 8 reasons and times that an upgrade could be wrong and where and why you need to think carefully before you look for or accept one. I also look at some pitfalls and watch outs off you are looking to get an upgrade. I talk about why I usually say "no thanks: to upgrades....! If you do want to find out the best ways of getting an upgrade still then watch my video of the ways that have been proven to work: https://youtu.be/Dpowj3CMfWc
Check out cruising merchandise like T-shirts at my store at https://www.tipsfortravellers.com/store
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What exactly does a butler on a cruise ship do? And what are the things they will refuse to do? Many cruise lines provide butlers for guests in their premium suites and many cruisers who have them are not sure what they can ask, or expect, them to do. Based on my experiences across several cruising lines and by interviewing butlers on board I share the 10 things that a butler will do for their cruise passengers - and importantly 4 things they will refuse to do.
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Shopping in Caribbean cruise ports while cruising the region is (reportedly) the biggest single activity by travellers. It is likely that everyone will buy something in at least one of the ports they are calling on. It can range from expensive watches and jewellery through to alcohol and cigarettes or clothing. There are a range of different Caribbean cruise port shopping options and with so many people passing through every week, the stores have become masters at selling. However, there are pitfalls that cruisers can fall into. I talk about how to prepare and ensure that you avoid the traps, tricks and rip-offs that you may unwittingly fall into or get caught out by.
Check out cruising merchandise like T-shirts at my store at https://www.tipsfortravellers.com/store
Support the channel by booking your next cruise and for the best deals on CRUISEDIRECT.COM: https://www.tipsfortravellers.com/CruiseDirectYT
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Celebrity Cruises are a premium cruise line with big ships, of around 2,800 passengers, in their fleet. Before you consider to go cruising with them, or of you have booked and are planning your cruise vacation, I share three major watch-outs and things you need to know before going. I explore what sort of cruise experience they offer, what the cruise fare covers and how that influences your on-board activities and life, and then what are the additional costs and extras that you will need to pay once on the ship to have an enjoyable cruise. Also watch my video about what Celebrity Cruises does better, the same and worse than other premium cruise lines: https://youtu.be/hT7VQx6d-qw
Note: I paid for the cruises on this line myself
Check out cruising merchandise like T-shirts at my store at https://www.tipsfortravellers.com/store
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Celebrity Cruises are a premium big ship cruise line and part of the Royal Caribbean group of cruising lines. I explore who they are, what they do better, the same and worse than other premium cruise lines like Princess, Holland America and Cunard and, importantly, who I think they are most suited for. Discover some key watch-outs and tips to help you decide if you should consider Celebrity Cruises for your next cruising vacation.
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The Caribbean is the most popular region for cruising. But, what are the good and bad things about going on a cruising vacation to the Caribbean,. I explore the 5 best and 5 worst aspects to a travelling around the Caribbean on a cruise ships. Some watch-outs and things to plan for. I love cruising the Caribbean and would recommend it despite the good and bad - but it is good to know before you go cruising so you can plan around these.
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50% of cruise passengers will need some sort of medical attention, according for Dr Deb Mills of the Travel Medicine Alliance. That means one of every couple cruising will have some sort of medical need. Many are minor and by packing your own personalised first aid kit for your cruise to deal with the 10 main medical things that can happen to you or your family on a cruise, you can have less stress, worry, be prepared and (importantly) save money by not having to pay to see the doctor or nurse in the ship's medical centre or try and deal withy foreign pharmacies and brands. I discuss the 10 things that are most likely to occur and what you need to bring along.
This is not medical advice and the products and brands I mention are ones that I personally use and work for me. You should consult your pharmacist, doctor and use products you are familiar with and they recommend.
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On average cruisers report putting on between 5 and 10 pounds of weight on a seven-night cruise! I have 10 tips on how you can go on a cruising vacation, have loads of fun and still indulge and avoid piling on the pounds on a cruise. They are all things that work for me, and I come back from my many cruises (including some 7 weeks long) without putting on weight. They are all practical and simple things and do not require hard core workouts or severe restrictions on what to eat and drink. They include some tweaks to cut calories, fun ways to burn calories without much effort and a few quirky ones.
Check out cruising merchandise like T-shirts at my store at https://www.tipsfortravellers.com/store
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Discover 9 things you absolutely need to know if you are considering or going on a cruise that includes Greece and the Greek Islands. The most popular cruising option is an Eastern Mediterranean cruise that travels between Venice and Athens, including some stops like Dubrovnik and Kotor. In the episode I look at things like the best time to go, your options of itineraries, the islands and excursions you should ensure are on the itinerary you choose, things to watch out for and be ready for, the cruise lines to consider, what to pack and the best way to book a cruise that includes Greece and the islands.
Note: I travelled as a guest of Titan Travel and Azamara Cruises before making this video
Check out cruising merchandise like T-shirts at my store at https://www.tipsfortravellers.com/store
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In this episode you will discover how you can cruise for free! There are at least 9 ways you can go cruising without having to pay. I give you tips on practical things you can do, look out for or do that will ensure you don't have to pay cruise fares to head out on a cruise ship. These apply to both ocean and river cruise. While there are some scams out offering "free cruises" they end up costing you money. These tips are genuine ways to save or dramatically cost of going cruising.
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In this episode you will discover the 6 key things you need to know about Holland America Nieuw Statendam cruise ship that went into service in December 2018. I tour the ship and review things like the details of the ship, what the main innovations and focus areas are (Music Walk venues, Dining options and Excursions Central), accommodation options ranging from inside to suites, fitness and recreation facilities, entertainment venues and options and bars and lounges. This is the second of the Pinnacle Class ships in the fleet and has many updated and new venues.
Note: I travelled as a guest of the cruise line before making this video
Check out cruising merchandise like T-shirts at my store at https://www.tipsfortravellers.com/store
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Discover all you need to know about doing a European river cruise with AmaWaterways. In this video I explore the 8 Things you really need to know before cruising with them. Things like who they are, what type of river cruising experience they offer, what the fare includes and excludes, dress codes, facilities, dining options and excursion choices.
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Note: I travelled as a guest of the cruise line
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Should You Pay Cruise Gratuities?
Should you pay cruise gratuities (or tips as some call them)? One of the most argued about and controversial charges and topics in cruising are the gratuity charges by cruise lines. In this video I look at six things about gratuities and tipping that every cruiser needs to know to make up their mind and also I suggest when you should or should not consider paying gratuities. I look at what they are, how cruise lines use them, the levels, how cruise lines take or charge for them and what they really mean for the crew and the real costs of your cruise vacation.
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These are my suggestions for 12 must-have items and so perfect gifts to give anyone who is going on or loves cruising. These are all gifts that I have seen and know cruisers use, love and will be pleased to receive from you. Perfect for Christmas, birthdays, special occasions or for a first or next cruise. Many of these I wish I had been given before cruising (and had to buy many for myself!). So this list is also 12 things you should take on your cruise too!
The links below will take you to the products, some of these are affiliate links and will cost you the same but I may get a small commission:
Cruise Luggage Tags (by Highwind)
USA: https://amzn.to/2Dhyg59
UK: https://amzn.to/2QCaiFI
Cruise Lanyard
USA: https://amzn.to/2K14FP2
UK: https://amzn.to/2T8i63v
International Travel Adapter
USA: https://amzn.to/2DyGNlj
UK: https://amzn.to/2RO9UnK
Power Strip Extension Cable (with USB ports)
USA: https://amzn.to/2Q48Orw
UK: https://amzn.to/2zyKDHC
Beach Towel Clips
USA: https://amzn.to/2Ffy495
UK: https://amzn.to/2PnutL8
Cruise T-Shirts
Tips for Travellers Range: https://teespring.com/en-GB/stores/tips-for-travellers
JOTO Waterproof Dry Bag
USA: https://amzn.to/2qGDdgj
UK: https://amzn.to/2z5OBqJ
Cruise Walkie Talkie
USA: https://amzn.to/2DAGqGY
UK: https://amzn.to/2QCj4mW
Brita Water Bottle Fill and Go
USA: https://amzn.to/2Fv9bqr
UK: https://amzn.to/2QHiV1X
Travel Clock with Push Backlight
USA: https://amzn.to/2FdMpmy
UK: https://amzn.to/2zNX0P9
Cruise Guide Books
USA Caribbean Cruise Ports: https://amzn.to/2ROwegO
UK Caribbean Cruise Guide: https://amzn.to/2zMdcAE
USA Mediterranean Cruise Guide: https://amzn.to/2ROwegO
UK Mediterranean Cruise Guide: https://amzn.to/2DiYnIT
Cruise Traveler’s Handbook by Gary Bembridge
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What are the best cruises and cruise lines for families with kids and multi-generational cruising vacations? In this episode I talk about the things you need to consider, including the cruise regions to consider and what to exclude. I also discuss the eight lines that are best for families with kids and why they are most suitable: Royal Caribbean, Norwegian Cruise Line, Carnival Cruises, Disney Cruise Line, MSC Cruises, Princess, P&O Cruises and Hapag Lloyd Cruises.
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Greece and the Greek Islands is a wonderful cruising destination, with many cruises starting and ending in Athens and Venice, known as Eastern Mediterranean Cruises. But when you are looking at which cruise line and itinerary to go on your Greek Islands cruise vacation, make sure you are going to the best, most beautiful and interesting islands and ports. Many only go to a few and very busy ones, skipping some of the more appealing ones. In this episode I recommend the best islands and ports you should make sure your cruise goes to and what to do on your day in port, including those the cruises often call on when starting or ending in Venice. These include Athens, Katakolon, Crete, Santorini, Mykonos, Patmos, Gythion, Corfu, Kotor and Dubrovnik.
Note: I travelled as a guest of Titan Travel on their Italian Lakes and Greek Islands cruise trip before making this video. Find out more about similar trips with them at https://www.titantravel.co.uk/holiday-types/ocean-cruising/ocean-cruise-lines/azamara
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In this episode you will discover 7 things you really should know before cruising with Azamara Club Cruises on a cruising vacation. I discuss things like who they are, who they compete with, who they are best for, what they do different to other cruise lines, what their fares cover and do not, the sort of facilities and entertainment, range of accommodation and more. Azamara Cruises is a small cruise lines with three ships that hold just 700 people. They focus on destinations and immersing guests into the varied and more out of way paces they can all into due to their smaller ships. They are an up-market line.
I travelled as a guest of Titan Travel on their Italian Lakes and Greek islands cruise that included 10 days on Azamara Pursuit. To find out about similar trips with them: https://www.titantravel.co.uk/holiday-types/ocean-cruising/ocean-cruise-lines/azamara
#AzamaraCruises #CruiseTips #LuxuryCruiseTips #AzamaraClubCruises
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In this episode of the podcast Gary Bembridge of TipsForTravellers.com, visits Turku in Finland and provides tips for travellers on the 10 must-see sights and attractions. In addition he also provides some key observations, historical highlights, best time to visit, getting there and around and general tips and advice.
Turku is the oldest city in Finland, at over 800 years. It is a fascinating city with much to see and do. This is explored in the podcast.
The episode covers the following must-see sights and attractions:
Resources:
After listening to the podcast:
In this episode of the podcast Gary Bembridge of TipsForTravellers.com, talks about the 10 things you need to know if you are considering doing a European river cruise on Titan Travel's M/S Serenade river cruise ship.
The ship sails on some of the main European rivers during the season and is unique in many ways. The podcast explores why.
The episode covers the following:
Resources:
After listening to the podcast:
In this episode of the podcast Gary Bembridge of TipsForTravellers.com, talks about something that could end up being one of the best decisions you make - to take out travel insurance.
In the episode he talks about the potential costs you could be facing if something goes wrong whilst travelling - and recounts some real life things he and others have faced.
The episode covers the following:
After listening to the podcast:
In this episode of the podcast Gary Bembridge of TipsForTravellers.com, shares his thoughts on 10 things that you really need to know if you are thinking of cruising with Princess Cruises.
Princess Cruises is one of the largest ocean cruise lines based on number of passengers carried, ships and destinations. But is being big and popular mean that they are right for your cruise? There is much more to consider when selecting the right line and ship to go cruising on. This podcast is designed to help. I cover ten important things I believe you need know if considering Princess for your next vacation. These are:
Resources:
After listening to the podcast:
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In this episode of the podcast Gary Bembridge of TipsForTravellers.com, takes you on board Windstar Cruises and gives tips and advice on how to make the most of your time on the ship. What to expect, things to do and what you will need to budget and pay for.
The episode covers the following tips:
Links:
After listening to the podcast:
In this episode of the podcast Gary Bembridge of TipsForTravellers.com, tips for travellers on what to expect, how to prepare and get the most from a game drive whilst on a safari (including answering the question about what happens if you need to go to the bathroom!). Whilst focusing on a Tanzania safari the tips and advice apply to going to South Africa, Zimbabwe, Zambia and other African safaris.
Heading to Tanzania on safari is one of my favourite all-time travel experiences. I had been on safaris in South Africa and Zimbabwe but this was even more magical, enthralling and I saw more animals than I had imagined I would. It exceeded all expectations on so many levels when I travelled there I travelled with Titan Travel on a 9-night “Wild Plains of Tanzania” trip. In this podcast I share many tips and advice - and answer questions I received - about what a game drive involves.
The episode covers the following tips:
Links:
After listening to the podcast:
In this episode of the podcast Gary Bembridge of TipsForTravellers.com, visits Tanzania and provides 11 tips for travellers on how to prepare and get the most from a safari. Whilst focusing on a Tanzania safari the tips and advice apply to going to South Africa, Zimabwe, Zambia and other African safaris.
Heading to Tanzania on safari is one of my favourite all-time travel experiences. I had been on safaris in South Africa and Zimbabwe but this was even more magical, enthralling and I saw more animals than I had imagined I would. It exceeded all expectations on so many levels when I travelled there I travelled with Titan Travel on a 9-night “Wild Plains of Tanzania” trip. In this podcast I share 11 tips and advice on how to prepare for and get the most of a safari to Tanzania based on my experience.
The episode covers the following tips:
Links:
After listening to the podcast:
In this episode of the podcast Gary Bembridge of TipsForTravellers.com, visits Jerusalem and provides tips for travellers on the 10 must-see sights and attractions. In addition he also provides some key observations, historical highlights, best time to visit, getting there and around and general tips and advice.
The journey of people following my trip was interesting. When I first said I was going the reactions were “is it safe?” and some did not approving my visit, due to the politics of Israel and Palestine. Once there and I started posting pictures, the comments and discussion changed to amazement and interest in the beauty, history and grandeur of the old city. Is it a strange city to visit, but is it a fascinating and remarkable place to have experienced. This podcast will explore all of this - and of course the safety issue. My aim is to ensure you do not waste your time in Jerusalem Old City by sharing the best things to see and do.
The episode covers the following must-see sights and attractions:
Resources:
After listening to the podcast:
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In this episode of the podcast Gary Bembridge of TipsForTravellers.com, shares 10 things you need to know about Silversea Cruises latest ship: Silver Muse
The ship entered service in April 2017 and was the ninth to join the fleet. It operates in the ultra-luxury cruise category.
The episode covers the following key topics:
Resources:
After listening to the podcast:
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In this episode of the podcast Gary Bembridge of TipsForTravellers.com, visits Singapore and provides tips for travellers on the 10 must-see sights and attractions. In addition he also provides some key observations, historical highlights, best time to visit, getting there and around and general tips and advice.
I like Singapore. A lot. I’ve been lucky enough to visit this city and country rolled into one multiple times, and every time I go I like it even more. While some travellers describe it as sterile compared to other large Asian cities, this has never been my experience. I find it a modern city that is incredibly efficient, smart, tidy, safe – and full of fun things to do. You just need to know the right things to see and do. This is the purpose of this tip for travellers episode!
My aim is to ensure you do not waste your time in Singapore by sharing the best things to see and do.
The episode covers the following must-see sights and attractions:
If you are looking for things to do in the evening, I recommend the following:
Resources:
After listening to the podcast:
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In this episode of the podcast Gary Bembridge of TipsForTravellers.com, shares ten tips on how to take amazing (and professional looking) travel photographs that you and your friends and family will be blown away by - just with your SmartPhone or Tablet.
All you need to take incredible travel pictures is your SmartPhone or Tablet and these ten simple tips. You do not need expensive equipment and know all the technical settings to create fantastic images.
The episode covers the following essential tips to take fantastic pictures with your SmartPhone or Tablet on your future trips:
Resources:
After listening to the podcast:
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In this episode of the podcast Gary Bembridge of TipsForTravellers.com, visits Bath in Somerset in England and provides tips for travellers on the 10 must-see sights and attractions. In addition he also provides some key observations, historical highlights, best time to visit, getting there and around and general tips and advice.
Bath is one of most popular tourists destinations out of London. It is ideal for visitors wanting to feel they have stepped into an old world English city. The city is chock full of Georgian style architecture and is built with distinctive Bath stone. It has a long history dating back to Roman times, and an easy day trip or place to visit for a few days. It gets very busy in summer as its such draw card. These tips help you make the most of it
The episode covers the following must-see sights and attractions:
Resources:
After listening to the podcast:
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In this episode of the podcast Gary Bembridge of TipsForTravellers.com, visits Belize City in Belize and provides tips for travellers on the 10 must-see sights and attractions. In addition he also provides some key observations, historical highlights, best time to visit, getting there and around and general tips and advice.
Many guide books describe Belize City as an unattractive, run down and not very appealing or safe place to visit. However, things are changing and it is an important gateway to the stunning Belize Barrier Reef, Mayan Ruins and many eco-tourist activites and attractions. These are all explored in the podcast.
The episode covers the following must-see sights and attractions:
After listening to the podcast:
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In this episode of the podcast Gary Bembridge of TipsForTravellers.com, visits the Cayman Islands and provides tips for travellers on the 10 must-see sights and attractions. In addition he also provides some key observations, historical highlights, best time to visit, getting there and around and general tips and advice.
Cayman islands for many is a tax haven and represents some of the perceived less salubrious sides to global trade and tax avoidance. Its also a place full of gorgeous beaches, luxurious hotels and apartments and a major cruise hub. It’s busy, vibrant and I was more impressed with it than I thought I would be.
The episode covers the following must-see sights and attractions:
Resources and links:
After listening to the podcast:
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In this episode of the podcast Gary Bembridge of TipsForTravellers.com, visits Cozumel Mexico to provide tips for travellers on the 10 must-see sights and attractions. In addition he also provides some key observations, historical highlights, best time to visit, getting there and around and general tips and advice.
Most popular cruise destination in the Western Caribbean with over 3.2 million passengers sailing on 1,072 ships a year accorinding to cruiseportinsider.com Only has a population of just over 75,000. It's a big draw for both cruise and land-based travellers due to the great tropical climate and incredible sea and reef for snorkelling and diving. Widely accepted as being the best place to do these activities in the Caribbean.
The episode covers the following must-see sights and attractions:
After listening to the podcast:
In this episode of the podcast Gary Bembridge of TipsForTravellers.com, visits Houston Texas to provide tips for travellers on the 10 must-see sights and attractions. In addition he also provides some key observations, historical highlights, best time to visit, getting there and around and general tips and advice.
Nicknamed the "Space City", Houston is a global city, with strengths in business, international trade, entertainment, culture, media, fashion, science, sports, technology, education, medicine, and research.
The episode covers the following must-see sights and attractions:
Resources and links:
After listening to the podcast:
In this episode of the podcast Gary Bembridge of TipsForTravellers.com, visits St Maarten in the Caribbean to provide tips for travellers on the 10 must-see sights and attractions. In addition he also provides some key observations, historical highlights, best time to visit, getting there and around and general tips and advice.
Saint Maarten is unique is the Caribbean as its truly an Island of two halves - half French and half Dutch dominated. Two capitals on one gorgeous and lush island. Its a mix of gorgeous Caribbean beaches, duty and tax free shopping, with french flair and fine dining and dutch partying thrown in.
The episode covers the following must-see sights and attractions:
Resources and links:
After listening to the podcast:
In this episode of the podcast Gary Bembridge of TipsForTravellers.com, reviews the latest cruise ship to join the Seabourn Cruises fleet called Seabourn Encore. This 300 suite (600 passenger) ship is the largest in the fleet, to be followed by a sister ship called the Seabourn Ovation in 2018.
I toured the ship in Singapore in January 2017 while there to attend the official naming ceremony. Hear my thoughts on what works and what could be better and why.
Resources and links:
After listening to the podcast:
In this episode of the podcast Gary Bembridge of TipsForTravellers.com, revisits Hong Kong to provide tips for travellers on the 10 must-see sights and attractions. In addition he also provides some key observations, historical highlights, best time to visit, getting there and around and general tips and advice.
The episode covers the following must-see sights and attractions:
Resources and links:
After listening to the podcast:
In this episode of the podcast Gary Bembridge of TipsForTravellers.com, discusses Fred Olsen Cruise Lines. This Norwegian-owned company is a key cruising operator out of the United Kingdom.
The episode covers the following key topics:
Resources and links:
After listening to the podcast:
In this episode of the podcast Gary Bembridge of TipsForTravellers.com, provides tips and advice for travellers about escorted tours. This should help you decide if they are the best or right way for you to travel
The episode covers:
Resources and links:
Offer: Get a free audio book and trial at tipsfortravellers.com/audible
After listening to the podcast:
In this episode of the podcast Gary Bembridge of TipsForTravellers.com, provides tips and advice for travellers on how to plan, prepare and get the most out of a world cruise or extended voyage. These trips are expensive and for many a one in a lifetime experience, and so essential to get it right.
The tips include:
Planning and Preparation:
Planning and Preparation:
Resources and links:
Offer: Get a free audio book and trial at tipsfortravellers.com/audible
After listening to the podcast:
In this episode of the podcast Gary Bembridge of TipsForTravellers.com, looks at the must-see places and sights in Dubrovnik Croatia, as well as providing some key observations, historical highlights, best time to visit, getting there and around and general tips and advice.
In the show I cover the following must-see sights and attractions:
Resources and links:
Offer: Get a free audio book and trial at tipsfortravellers.com/audible
After listening to the podcast:
Join me, Gary Bembridge from TipsForTravellers.com, as I look at the must-see places and sights in Florida. I look at the essential attractions beyond just Orlando. home of the theme parks. I also share a brief overview of observations, history and general tips for travellers
In the show I cover the following ten must-see sights and attractions:
Resources and links:
Get you free audio book and trial at tipsfortravellers.com/audible
After listening to the podcast:
Join me, Gary Bembridge from TipsForTravellers.com, as I recommend the 10 must-see sights and attractions in New York - especially for first-time visitors. I worked in the city and for a decade visited multiple times a year as well and these are the sights that I recommend that everyone sees when going to the city.
In the show I cover the following ten must-see sights and attractions:
Resources and links:
Get you free audio book and trial at tipsfortravellers.com/audible
After listening to the podcast:
Join me, Gary Bembridge from TipsForTravellers.com, as I share my thoughts about CroisiEurope River Cruises and seven things that I believe that anyone considering a European river cruise with them should know before making a final decision. This podcast should help you decide if they are the right or best line for your trip
In the show I cover the following ten must-see sights and attractions:
Resources:
Get you free audio book and trial at tipsfortravellers.com/audible
After listening to the podcast:
Join me, Gary Bembridge from TipsForTravellers.com, as I take you to the 10 must-see sights in London. London has been my home town for almost 30 years and these are the sights that I recommend that everyone sees when visiting. They are also FREE to visit and your only cost will be the Tube fare to get around to them.
In the show I cover the following ten must-see sights and attractions:
Resources:
Get you free audio book and trial at tipsfortravellers.com/audible
After listening to the podcast:
Join me, Gary Bembridge from TipsForTravellers.com, as I take a look at Windstar Cruises. In the show I look at 11 things potential travellers should know and consider before deciding if Windstar is the right cruise line for them. Choosing the right line is essential for having a great cruise and so this episode is designed to help assess Windstar Cruises.
In the show I cover the following :
Resources:
Get a free audio book and trial at tipsfortravellers.com/audible
After listening to the podcast:
Join me, Gary Bembridge from TipsForTravellers.com, as I help visitors to Venice survive the hectic and busy city. Over 50,000 travelelrs visit the city every day and it is busy and packed and this podcast helps you make the most of your visit - and not feel totally swamped and frustrated by the numbers of people also trying to see the city and sights.
In the show I cover the following :
Resources:
Get a free audio book and trial at tipsfortravellers.com/audible
After listening to the podcast:
Join me, Gary Bembridge from TipsForTravellers.com, as I share thoughts and tips on how to decide if Emerald Waterways is the right cruise line for you if you are considering a European River cruise.
In the show I cover :
10 things you need to consider that I discuss are:
Resources:
Get a free audio book and 30-day trial: tipsfortravellers.com/audible
After listening to the podcast:
Join me, Gary Bembridge from TipsForTravellers.com, as I take you to "Europe's Last Great Wilderness" which is the Ruka-Kuusamo region in the northern part of Finland close to the Russia border. In the show I talk about 10 surprising things I learnt and share my nine top Tips For Travellers for visitors going there in summer - which is the quiet season (winter being the peak time).
In the show I cover the following 10 surprising things I learnt:
In the show I cover the following ten must-see sights and attractions:
Resources:
Get your free audio book and 30-day trial: tipsfortravellers.com/audible
After listening to the podcast:
Join me, Gary Bembridge from TipsForTravellers.com, as I take you to Palm Springs in California and share my ten top Tips For Travellers. In the podcast I share observations, need-to-know about the city including its history, overall advice and then tips on must-see and must-do to get the most of it.
In the show I cover the following ten must-see sights and attractions:
Resources:
Get you free audio book and trial at tipsfortravellers.com/audible
After listening to the podcast:
In this episode Gary Bembridge from TipsForTravellers.com gives ten differences between Ocean and River cruising based on his experiences with a number of lines and routes.
These include:
If you have a travel question or looking for tips and advice email me and I will try and answer it.
This episode was supported by Audible: Get your free audio book and 30-day free trial with Audible at http://www.tipsfortravellers.com/audible
After listening to the podcast:
In this episode Gary Bembridge from TipsForTravellers.com gives ten reasons to do a European River Cruise based on his experiences with a number of lines and routes.
These include:
If you have a travel question or looking for tips and advice email me and I will try and answer it.
This episode was supported by Audible: Get your free audio book and 30-day free trial with Audible at http://www.tipsfortravellers.com/audible
After listening to the podcast:
In this episode Gary Bembridge from TipsForTravellers.com answers travel questions from listeners and readers.
These include questions about:
If you have a travel question or looking for tips and advice email me and I will try and answer it.
Resources:
After listening to the podcast:
Join me, Gary Bembridge from TipsForTravellers.com, as I take you on board the CroisiEurope Loire Princesse river cruise ship. Each day of the five day / six night trip as I travelled along the Loire river in France I recorded observations, activities and tips and combined them into this one show.
CroisiEurope are the largest and oldest river cruise operators in Europe and offer a value-for-money way of going river cruising.
In the show I cover the following:
If you want to find out more about the tour, places visited and other content from the trip visit tipsfortravellers.com/croisieurope-loire
After listening to the podcast:
Join me, Gary Bembridge from TipsForTravellers.com, as I take you to Universal Orlando Resort and the Wizarding World of Harry Potter USA and share my ten top Tips For Travellers. In the podcast I share observations, need-to-know about Universal Orlando including its history, overall advice and then tips on must-see and must-do to get the most of it.
In the show I cover the following top tips:
Resources:-
After listening to the podcast:
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Join me, Gary Bembridge from TipsForTravellers.com, as I take you to Key West in Florida USA and share my Key West Tips For Travellers. In the podcast I share observations, need-to-know about the city, history, overall advice and then tips on must-see and must-do sights and attractions.
In the show I cover the following must-see sights:
Resources:
After listening to the podcast:
Save
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Join Gary Bembridge from Tips For Travellers as he takes you to Florida and visits some of the highlights of the state.
In this podcast you will hear his daily thoughts, comments and tips that he recorded as he toured around the "Sunshine State". He was on an escorted tour run by Titan Travel from the United Kingdom, an experience that he had not undertaken before - as usually self plans, arranges and explores.
He takes a look at the pros, cons and observes what it is like to be on an escorted tour versus self exploring as well as talking about the highlights of Florida beyond the well-known theme parks in Orlando. On the trip he visited and speaks about:
If you want to find out more about the tour, places visited and other content from the trip visit tipsfortravellers.com/titan-travel-florida
After listening to the podcast and have any thoughts please leave a comment on Tipsfortravellers.com/podcast, email me or leave a review on iTunes.
Subscribe (and leave a review) to the podcast on iTunes, Google Play, Stitcher or TuneIn Radio.
Want to support the podcast? Consider becoming a Patron. Find out more at tipsfortravellers.com/patron
Join me, Gary Bembridge from TipsForTravellers.com, as I take you to Tokyo in Japan. In the podcast I share observations, need-to-know about the city, history, overall advice and then tips on must-see and must-do sights and attractions.
In the show I cover the following must-see sights:
Resources:
After listening to the podcast:
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In this episode Gary Bembridge of TipsForTravellers.com, provides a historical overview, need-to-know facts as well as inspiration, advice and tips for visiting Nagasaki in Japan.
Nagasaki is best known for being the last city that was subject to a nuclear bomb. It happened on 9 August 1945 during WWII when the Americans dropped it, destroying most of the city and killing and injuring over 100,000 people. What fewer people know is that Pucci's famous opera "Madame Butterfly" was set in the city.
There is more to the city than just memorials and reminders of that event. It is a city that welcomed, and had long links, with the West even when Japan followed an isolation policy. I found it to be a pretty, welcoming city that has gorgeous parks, historical buildings and great museums. The podcast explores all of this.
Must-see and Must-Do covered in the podcast:
Resources:
This episode was supported by DK Eyewitness Travel Guides (USA listeners) (UK listeners)
In this episode Gary Bembridge of TipsForTravellers.com, provides a historical overview, need-to-know facts as well as inspiration, advice and tips for visiting Hiroshima in Japan.
The city is best known as the city that the first atomic bomb was dropped on by the United States at 8:15 on 6 August 1945. While this is a focus for tourists visiting there is much more to see in this pretty city.
The podcast covers the following must-see and must-do sights:
Resources:
This episode was supported by DK Eyewitness Travel Guides (USA listeners) (UK listeners)
In this episode Gary Bembridge of TipsForTravellers.com, provides a historical overview, need-to-know facts as well as inspiration, advice and tips for visiting Taipei Taiwan. This is a revisit to Taipei and has all new information and suggestions.
On my recent visit I came to appreciate the city more and found new and exciting areas and sights to explore. I was struck by its modernity and energy. Although there are not many western tourists, it is a big tourist destination for Asian visitors, but was welcoming and easy for English-speakers to explore. It has a fascinating and dramatic history when the government of China fled here with around 2 million refugees after losing the fight against the Communist uprising in 1949.
In the podcast hear about the must-see sights including:
Resources:
This episode was supported by DK Eyewitness Travel Guides (USA listeners) (UK listeners):
After listening to the podcast and have any thoughts please leave a comment on Tipsfortravellers.com/podcast, email me or leave a review on iTunes.
Subscribe (and leave a review) to the podcast on iTunes, Google Play, Stitcher or TuneIn Radio.
Want to support the podcast? Consider becoming a Patron. Find out more at tipsfortravellers.com/patron
In this episode Gary Bembridge of TipsForTravellers.com, provides a historical overview, need-to-know facts as well as inspiration, advice and tips for visiting La Antigua Guatemala.
Surrounded by three vast volcanos thousands of metres above sea level, is the remarkable city of La Antigua. It was the capital of Guatemala until a series of earthquakes in the 1700s convinced the Spanish, who controlled the country, to abandon it and create a new one called Guatemala City. The huge partly-ruined Cathedrals and grand buildings lay exposed being reclaimed by nature until people started repopulating it. Today these magnificent structures are dotted around a quaint, colourful and fascinating city. Its significance led to it becoming a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
In the podcast hear about the must-see sights including:
Resources:
This episode was supported by DK Eyewitness Travel Top 10 Guides
After listening to the podcast and have any thoughts please leave a comment on Tipsfortravellers.com/podcast, email me or leave a review on iTunes.
Subscribe (and leave a review) to the podcast on iTunes, Google Play, Stitcher or TuneIn Radio.
Want to support the podcast? Consider becoming a Patron. Find out more at tipsfortravellers.com/patron
In this episode of the Tips For Travellers podcast Gary Bembridge visits the historic city of Kyoto in Japan.
Kyoto is packed with 1,000s of temples and historic sites, many of which are UNESCO World Heritage sites. It is one of the few key cities in Japan spared major damage and destruction during World War II that wiped out much of Japan’s historical sites. As you will hear, it is an amazing experience and Gary highly recommends you visit it. However, unless you have days (or weeks) you cannot hope to scratch even the surface of what is available to see - and so making informed choices is key - hopefully this episode will help you.
In this podcast you will hear an overview of the history and must-know facts as well as general tips for travellers and the must-see and do things while there. Finally Gary will recommend and discuss the follow must-see things in Kyoto:
Resources and links referred to in the podcast:
This episode was supported by DK Eyewitness Travel Top 10 Guides
After listening to the podcast and have any thoughts please leave a comment on Tipsfortravellers.com/podcast, email me or leave a review on iTunes.
Subscribe (and leave a review) to the podcast on iTunes, Google Play, Stitcher or TuneIn Radio.
Want to support the podcast? Consider becoming a Patron. Find out more at tipsfortravellers.com/patron
In this episode of the Tips For Travellers podcast Gary Bembridge visits Macau, close to Hong Kong, and the world's biggest gambling centre (having taken over from Las Vegas)>
In this podcast you will hear an overview of the history and must-know facts as well as general tips for travellers and the must-see and do things while there, including:
Resources and links referred to in the podcast:
This episode was supported by DK Eyewitness Travel Top 10 Guides
After listening to the podcast and have any thoughts please leave a comment on Tipsfortravellers.com/podcast, email me or leave a review on iTunes.
Subscribe (and leave a review) to the podcast on iTunes, Google Play, Stitcher or TuneIn Radio.
Want to support the podcast? Consider becoming a Patron. Find out more at tipsfortravellers.com/patron
In this episode of the Tips For Travellers podcast Gary Bembridge visits Kennedy Space Center in Florida, close to Cape Canaveral.
In this podcast you will hear an overview of the history and must-know facts as well as general tips for travellers and the must-see and do things while there, including:
Resources and links referred to in the podcast:
This episode was supported by DK Eyewitness Travel Top 10 Guides
After listening to the podcast and have any thoughts please leave a comment on Tipsfortravellers.com/podcast, email me or leave a review on iTunes.
Subscribe (and leave a review) to the podcast on iTunes, Google Play, Stitcher or TuneIn Radio.
Want to support the podcast? Consider becoming a Patron. Find out more at tipsfortravellers.com/patron
In this episode of the Tips For Travellers podcast Gary Bembridge visits Auckland in New Zealand and provides advice and tips on the must-see and must-do sights, attractions and things to do there.
In this podcast you will hear an overview of the history, must-know facts, observations, general tips for travellers and the must-see and do things to do including:
Resources and links referred to in the podcast:
This episode was supported by DK Eyewitness Travel Guide: New Zealand
After listening to the podcast and have any thoughts please leave a comment on Tipsfortravellers.com/podcast, email me or leave a review on iTunes.
Subscribe (and leave a review) to the podcast on iTunes, Google Play, Stitcher or TuneIn Radio.
Want to support the podcast? Consider becoming a Patron. Find out more at tipsfortravellers.com/patron
In this episode of the Tips For Travellers podcast Gary Bembridge talks about the Panama Canal - an experience that he recommends that every traveller adds to their bucket list...
In this podcast you will hear an overview of the history and must-know facts as well as general tips for travellers and the options available to experience the Panama Canal including transiting on a cruise ship or freighter, special full and part day boat transits, railway and visitor centre.
Resources and links referred to in the podcast:
This episode was supported by DK Eyewitness Travel Top 10 Guides
After listening to the podcast and have any thoughts please leave a comment on Tipsfortravellers.com/podcast, email me or leave a review on iTunes.
Subscribe (and leave a review) to the podcast on iTunes, Google Play, Stitcher or TuneIn Radio.
Want to support the podcast? Consider becoming a Patron. Find out more at tipsfortravellers.com/patron
In this episode of the Tips For Travellers podcast Gary Bembridge visits Honolulu in Hawaii and provides advice and tips on the must-see and must-do sights, attractions and things to do there.
In this podcast you will hear an overview of the history, must-know facts, observations, general tips for travellers and the must-see and do things to do including:
Resources and links referred to in the podcast:
This episode was supported by DK Eyewitness Travel Guide: Top 10 Guides
After listening to the podcast and have any thoughts please leave a comment on Tipsfortravellers.com/podcast, email me or leave a review on iTunes.
Subscribe (and leave a review) to the podcast on iTunes, Google Play, Stitcher or TuneIn Radio.
Want to support the podcast? Consider becoming a Patron. Find out more at tipsfortravellers.com/patron
In this episode of the Tips For Travellers podcast Gary Bembridge revisits San Francisco and provides all new coverage of the city and latest advice and tips.
In this podcast you will hear an overview of the history and must-know facts as well as general tips for travellers and the must-see and do things to do including:
Resources and links referred to in the podcast:
This episode was supported by DK Eyewitness Travel Guide: Top 10 San Francisco
After listening to the podcast and have any thoughts please leave a comment on Tipsfortravellers.com/podcast, email me or leave a review on iTunes.
Subscribe (and leave a review) to the podcast on iTunes, Google Play, Stitcher or TuneIn Radio.
Want to support the podcast? Consider becoming a Patron. Find out more at tipsfortravellers.com/patron
In this episode of Tips For Travellers Gary Bembridge answers cruising questions sent in by listeners. These include:
DO you have a travel question you want answered? Leave it on Tipsfortravellers.com/podcast or email me.
Subscribe (and leave a review) to the podcast on iTunes, Google Play, Stitcher or TuneIn Radio.
Want to support the podcast? Consider becoming a Patron. Find out more at tipsfortravellers.com/patron
In this episode of Tips For Travellers I share feedback and thoughts from listeners about the direction the podcast has taken over the last year or so, and share my reactions and decisions on how I plan to take it "back to the future".
In the show you will hear
The podcast will focus on three main episode types:
After listening to the podcast and have any thoughts please leave a comment on Tipsfortravellers.com/podcast, email me or leave a review on iTunes.
Subscribe (and leave a review) to the podcast on iTunes, Stitcher or TuneIn Radio.
Want to support the podcast? Consider becoming a Patron. Find out more at tipsfortravellers.com/patron
In this episode of Tips For Travellers I provide an tips on deciding if P&O Cruises, the major UK based cruise line, is right for you and how to get the most of cruising with them.
This includes:
If you have a travel query email me
Subscribe (and leave a review) to the podcast on iTunes, Stitcher or TuneIn Radio.
Want to support the podcast? Consider becoming a Patron. Find out more at tipsfortravellers.com/patron
In this episode of Tips For Travellers I provide an overview and must-do of P&O Cruises, the major UK based cruise line focused on cruising in the Caribbean.
This includes looking at:
If you have a travel query email me
Subscribe (and leave a review) to the podcast on iTunes, Stitcher or TuneIn Radio.
Want to support the podcast? Consider becoming a Patron. Find out more at tipsfortravellers.com/patron
In this episode of Tips For Travellers I provide an overview of nine tips on how to get the most from river cruising and on Uniworld in particular. I will cover:
If you have a travel query email me
Subscribe (and leave a review) to the podcast on iTunes, Stitcher or TuneIn Radio.
Want to support the podcast? Consider becoming a Patron. Find out more at tipsfortravellers.com/patron
In this episode I explore the world of Expedition Cruising with Conrad Combrink, who is the Director Expedition Planning and Strategic Development at Silversea Cruises.
We discuss:
If you have a travel query email me
Subscribe (and leave a review) to the podcast on iTunes, Stitcher or TuneIn Radio.
Want to support the podcast? Consider becoming a Patron. Find out more at tipsfortravellers.com/patron
In this episode of Tips For Travellers I answer listener questions and provide my advice and tips. The topics are:
If you have a travel query email me
Subscribe (and leave a review) to the podcast on iTunes, Stitcher or TuneIn Radio.
Want to support the podcast? Consider becoming a Patron. Find out more at tipsfortravellers.com/patron
In this episode of Tips For Travellers I answer listener questions and provide my advice and tips. The topics are:
If you have a travel query email me
Subscribe (and leave a review) to the podcast on iTunes, Stitcher or TuneIn Radio.
Want to support the podcast? Consider becoming a Patron. Find out more at tipsfortravellers.com/patron
Despite all my cruising experience, which has included going to a number of naming ceremonies, I had never been to a keel laying for new ship. This is a significant step in its life and when the build starts in earnest. So, I was delighted to be invited to the Fincantieri Shipyard in Genoa for the keel laying of Silversea’s Silver Muse in December 2015. This 596 guest ship is due to come into service in April 2017.
In this episode, you will hear about the history and significance of the keel laying ceremony followed by insights about Silversea, the ultra-luxury cruise line, based on an interview with their Chief Executive Officer (Mr Enzo Visone).
First you will hear the speech he gave as past of the proceedings where he explains the significance and superstitions of the keel laying ceremony, including the process of attaching coins to it to protect the build, ship, crew and passengers that dates back to Viking times.
After that you will hear him answer questions at the press conference including:
1: Why he believes travellers should try cruising, and chose Silversea specifically.
2: Their approach to size of ships, and why they will never have large ships.
3: The difference between expedition and regular ocean cruising.
4: Cost, complexity and process of building a ship like Silver Muse.
If you have a travel query email me
Subscribe (and leave a review) to the podcast on iTunes, Stitcher or TuneIn Radio.
Want to support the podcast? Consider becoming a Patron. Find out more at tipsfortravellers.com/patron
In this episode of Tips For Travellers I provide an overview of the 10 must-see sights in Jordan and provide my advice and tips about them. They are:
If you have a travel query email me
Subscribe (and leave a review) to the podcast on iTunes, Stitcher or TuneIn Radio.
Want to support the podcast? Consider becoming a Patron. Find out more at tipsfortravellers.com/patron
In this episode of Tips For Travellers I provide an overview of Jordan and provide my advice and tips. The topics include:
If you have a travel query email me
Subscribe (and leave a review) to the podcast on iTunes, Stitcher or TuneIn Radio.
Want to support the podcast? Consider becoming a Patron. Find out more at tipsfortravellers.com/patron
In the third part of the Arctic Tips For Travellers series, I interview Marcelo Affonso who was the Hotel Director on board Silversea's Silver Explorer. In the show he will talk about:
How can you get more from the show:
In the second episode of the three-part series on the Arctic, I share my tips and answers to 9 questions anyone considering exploring the Arctic on a cruise, especially with Silversea, should be asking:
How can you support the show?
In the first of a three-part series about exploring the Arctic, this episode provides an overview of what to expect on a 10-night expedition cruise with Silversea around Svabard.
How can you support the show?
In this episode of the show hear an overview, advice and tips for travelling on the 25-year old Rocky Mountaineer train in Canada.
Find out:
How can you support the show?
In this episode hear how you can explore Vancouver in Canada with as little amount of walking as possible (and not miss out on much!) including:
Action to take:
A special show to celebrate ten years of the Tips For Travellers Podcast, whose first episode was in September 2005.
How can you support the show?
Got a travel question or want to get in touch? email us
Gary Bembridge of Tips for Travellers shares his observations, tips and advice on going bear watching in British Columbia in Canada at Knight Inlet Lodge. In part two of a two-part series he explores ten areas any novice or person considering going should know about.
Subscribe free to the show on iTunes, Stitcher Radio or TuneIn Radio.
The episdoe answers the following:
For more visit: http://www.tipsfortravellers.com/british-columbia-spring-watch/
Gary Bembridge of Tips for Travellers shares his observations, tips and advice on going bear watching in British Columbia in Canada at Knight Inlet Lodge. In part one of a two-part series he explores the overall experience, overview of the experience and why you should do it.
Subscribe free to the show on iTunes, Stitcher Radio or TuneIn Radio.
For more visit: http://www.tipsfortravellers.com/british-columbia-spring-watch/
Gary Bembridge of Tips for Travellers shares his observations, tips and advice on cruising with Fred Olsen Cruises in this second part of the two-part series.
Subscribe free to the show on iTunes, Stitcher Radio or TuneIn Radio.
For more visit: http://www.tipsfortravellers.com
This show covers among other topics the answers to the following questions:
For more visit: http://www.tipsfortravellers.com/fredolsen/
Gary Bembridge of Tips for Travellers shares his observations, tips and advice on cruising with Fred Olsen Cruises in a two-part series.
Subscribe free to the show on iTunes, Stitcher Radio or TuneIn Radio.
For more visit: http://www.tipsfortravellers.com
Part one looks at an overview of Fred Olsen, the on board experience and what it is liek cruising around the Norwegian Fjords as an example of life on board.
The next episode provides specific tips and advice.
For more visit http://www.tipsfortravellers.com/fredolsen/
Gary Bembridge of Tips for Travellers shares his observations, tips and advice on must-see and must-do sights and attractions for visitors to Victoria in British Columbia Canada.
Subscribe free to the show on iTunes, Stitcher Radio or TuneIn Radio.
For more visit: http://www.tipsfortravellers.com
This show covers among other topics:
For more on the region visit tipsfortravellers.com/british-columbia-spring-watch/
The insider perspective is something I like to bring to listeners of Tips For Travellers whenever I can. In this episode I am pleased to be able to share with you the thoughts of Michael Bayley, who is the President and CEO of Royal Caribbean International cruise line.
I recorded these on board the Anthem of the Seas during the naming ceremony cruise out of Southampton. During the sailing Michael held a question and answer session with the press, and I have pulled out some highlights from that that I thought listeners would be interested in. You will hear what he had to say about:
I hope you find his thoughts as interesting as I did
For more of my coverage on Royal Caribbean visit TipsForTravellers.com/RoyalCaribbean
You can leave a review or subscribe to the podcast on iTunes, Stitcher radio and TuneIn Radio
Gary Bembridge of Tips for Travellers shares his observations, tips and advice on must-see and must-do sights and attractions for visitors to Harz in Germany, focused on the UNESCO World Heritage sights.
Subscribe free to the show on iTunes, Stitcher Radio or TuneIn Radio.
For more visit: http://www.tipsfortravellers.com
This show covers among other topics:
Gary Bembridge of Tips for Travellers shares his observations, tips and advice on must-see and must-do sights and attractions for visitors to the Northern Italy cities of Venice, Padua, Chioggia
Subscribe free to the show on iTunes, Stitcher Radio or TuneIn Radio.
For more visit: http://www.tipsfortravellers.com
This show covers highlights of each of cities along with observations and tips.
Gary Bembridge of Tips for Travellers shares his observations, tips and advice on must-see and must-do sights and attractions for visitors cruising the Norwegian Fjords.
Subscribe free to the show on iTunes, Stitcher Radio or TuneIn Radio.
This show covers among other topics:
This episode is supported by “DK Eyewitness Travel: Cruise Guide to Europe and the Mediterranean”. For more and to buy your copy visit tipsfortravellers.com/DKGuideBUY
Gary Bembridge of Tips for Travellers shares his observations, tips and advice on must-see and must-do sights and attractions for visitors to Venice in Italy
Subscribe free to the show on iTunes, Stitcher Radio or TuneIn Radio.
For more visit: http://www.tipsfortravellers.com
This show covers among other topics:
This episode was supported by “DK Eyewitness Travel: Cruise Guide to Europe and the Mediterranean”. For more and to buy your copy visit tipsfortravellers.com/DKGuideBUY
Gary Bembridge of Tips for Travellers shares observations, tips and advice about the main cruise embarkation and disembarkation ports in Europe.
Subscribe free to the show on iTunes, Stitcher Radio or TuneIn Radio.
This show covers among other topics:
This episode is spionsored by DK Eyewitness Travel Guide: Cruise Guide to Europe and the Mediterranean. Click on the link to find out more or buy it.
Gary Bembridge of Tips for Travellers shares observations, tips and advice for visitors to his home town of London
Subscribe free to the show on iTunes, Stitcher Radio or TuneIn Radio.
London is the best city in the world! Though, I am biased as this is my home. But, after having visited many cities around the globe over the last few decades, London remains the one that excites me the most. It has the right balance of size, buzz, history, tradition, significant sights, mash-up of cultures, entertainment and greenery to set it aside from so many others. As the saying goes "When a man is tired of London, he is tired of life"
This show covers among other topics:
This episode is spionsored by DK Eyewitness Travel Guide: Cruise Guide to Europe and the Mediterranean. Click on the link to find out more or buy it.
In this episode Gary Bembridge from TipsForTravellers.com shares his insights, observations and tips on visiting Athens in Greece.
During the show he covers:
This episode is supported by DK Eyewitness Travel Guide: Cruise Guide to Europe and the Mediterranean
Gary Bembridge of Tips for Travellers shares observations, tips and advice on must-see and must-do sights and attractions for visitors for visitors to Cinque Terre (Five Villages) in Italy.
Subscribe free to the show on iTunes , Stitcher Radio or TuneIn Radio .
Cinque Terre is a beautiful and unusual part of the world. It is a series of five villages clinging to hills along the coast. They are Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola and Riomaggiore. They used to very remote but today they are accessible by train and walking. Good beaches, food and gelato surrounded by beautiful coastline and steep hills.
This show covers among other topics:
This episode is supported by "DK Eyewitness Travel: Cruise Guide to Europe and the Mediterranean"
Gary Bembridge of Tips for Travellers shares observations, tips and advice on must-see and must-do sights and attractions for visitors for visitors to Monte Carlo in Monaco.
Subscribe free to the show on iTunes , Stitcher Radio or TuneIn Radio .
Monaco has to be one of the most surreal and strange places in the Western World.
Some have likened it to the facade of a Disney resort and others to the obscene and extreme glitz of a Las Vegas resort. But for me it is neither, it is just strange and fascinating at the same time. Come explore it with me.
This show covers among other topics:
This episode is supported by "DK Eyewitness Travel: Cruise Guide to Europe and the Mediterranean". For more and to buy the guide click here
Gary Bembridge of Tips for Travellers shares observations, tips and advice on must-see and must-do sights and attractions for visitors for visitors to Palma De Mallorca in Majorca.
Subscribe free to the show on iTunes , Stitcher Radio or TuneIn Radio .
Palma is a magnets for the well-heeled and rich as well as mass tourists looking for a good value beach holiday. Located on Majorca, one of the Spanish Bealric islands in the Mediterranean off the coast of Spain, it is a handy few hours flight from most of Europe and growing as a stop on cruise itineraries. While it is not rich in museums, and attractions there is a good mix of outdoor activities, good food and enough diversions to make it a perfect holiday vacation or port of call on a cruise
This show covers among other topics:
This episode is supported by "DK Eyewitness Travel: Cruise Guide to Europe and the Mediterranean". For more and to buy the guide click here
Gary Bembridge of Tips for Travellers shares observations, tips and advice on must-see and must-do sights and attractions for visitors for visitors to Valetta and Mdina in Malta.
Subscribe free to the show on iTunes , Stitcher Radio or TuneIn Radio .
Visiting is like stepping into a medieval film set or being transported back in time. It is unlike any place I had seen before with its mix of influences leading to dramatic buildings and forts. Great weather, especially in summer, and the atmosphere draws tourists here. While there are good beaches the history and remarkable sites of Valetta and Mdina are the magic in my view.
This show covers among other topics:
This episode is supported by "DK Eyewitness Travel: Cruise Guide to Europe and the Mediterranean". For more and to buy the guide click here
Gary Bembridge of Tips for Travellers shares observations, tips and advice on must-see and must-do sights and attractions for visitors for visitors to Lisbon in Portugal.
Subscribe free to the show on iTunes , Stitcher Radio or TuneIn Radio .
Lisbon (Lisboa in Portugese) is one of oldest cities in world and a very attractive city of coloured orange and yellow low rise buildings spread across seven hills. Full of green spaces, black and white tiled pavements and gorgeous buildings.
This show covers among other topics:
This episode is supported by "DK Eyewitness Travel: Cruise Guide to Europe and the Mediterranean". For more and to buy the guide click here
Gary Bembridge of Tips for Travellers shares observations, tips and advice on must-see and must-do sights and attractions for visitors for visitors to Florence in Italy.
Subscribe free to the show on iTunes , Stitcher Radio or TuneIn Radio .
This show covers among other topics:
This episode is supported by "DK Eyewitness Travel: Cruise Guide to Europe and the Mediterranean". For more and to buy the guide click here
Gary Bembridge of Tips for Travellers shares observations, tips and advice on must-see and must-do sights and attractions for visitors for visitors to X in Y.
Subscribe free to the show on iTunes , Stitcher Radio or TuneIn Radio .
This show covers among other topics:
This episode is supported by "DK Eyewitness Travel: Cruise Guide to Europe and the Mediterranean". For more and to buy the guide click here
In this episode I talk to JD Lasica, the founder of a new cruise site and app that is aiming to shake up and improve the way travellers can get inspiration, advice and book the right cruise at the best price. It is a site that I am involved in as a content contributor.
In the show we talk about topics tha include:
You can read more about Cruiseable in my article "Cruiseable. A New Way To Discover And Book Cruises".
Find out more and followat Cruiseable.com, Cruiseable IOS App, Facebook and Twitter. JD is also on Twitter.
In this episode of Tips For Travellers Gary Bembridge shares his observations and areas that Cunard Cruise Line need to focus on and improve to better meet the needs of their future cruise passengers. These are things that they currently fall short on and include:
For more of Tips For Travellers articles, videos and podcasts visit tipsfortravellers.com/cunard and my book "Cruising With Cunard"
Gary Bembridge of Tips for Travellers shares observations, tips and advice on must-see and must-do sights and attractions for visitors for visitors to Budapest in Hungary.
Subscribe free to the show on iTunes , Stitcher Radio or TuneIn Radio .
Budapest is a gorgeous feast of grand buildings. It looks like it has stood grandly for an eternity. Both sides of rive Danube that run through the city are UNESCO World Heritage sites due to the stunning buildings. Even more remarkable when you discover that most of city, including the huge and impressive palace high on the hill overlooking the river, was destroyed in World War II and has been recreated.
This show covers among other topics:
Gary Bembridge of Tips for Travellers shares observations, tips and advice for visitors to Edinburgh in Scotland.
Scotland is a proud country and Edinburgh is its capital city. Its a dynamic financial and business city but most visitors think of it as a place of history, due to the castle that looms high above the city, and culture, due to the massive Edinburgh festival. It is a great city to visit.
This show covers among other topics:
Subscribe free to the show on iTunes , Stitcher Radio or TuneIn Radio .
This episode is supported by Rentluggage.com: An Online Luggage Solution Store. For more information about their services and how to rent luggage visit tipsfortravellers.com/rentluggage
For more visit: tipsfortravellers.com
In this epsiode Gary Bembridge shares thoughts and tips on the areas and things that cruise passengers should be aware of and focus on to ensure that they are better and more responsible cruisers.
The tips include how to:
Some of the tips on respecting fellow passengers include:
This episode is supported by Rentluggage.com: An Online Luggage Solution Store. For more information about their services and how to rent luggage visit tipsfortravellers.com/rentluggage
For more advice and tips on cruising visit tipsfortravellers.com/cruising
Gary Bembridge of Tips for Travellers shares observations, tips and advice on must-see and must-do sights and attractions for visitors to New York .
Subscribe free to the show on iTunes, Stitcher Radio or TuneIn Radio.
This show covers among other topics:
This episode is supported by Rentluggage.com: An Online Luggage Solution Store. For more information about their services and how to rent luggage visit tipsfortravellers.com/rentluggage
Gary Bembridge of Tips for Travellers shares observations, tips and advice for visitors to (name of city) in (country).
Subscribe free to the show on iTunes, Stitcher Radio or TuneIn Radio.
This show covers among other topics:
In this episode of Tips for Travellers, Gary Bembridge shares his tips and tricks on how to save money on cruise port excursions and how to go about finding the best and most cost effective way to explore destinations you visit.
Some independent providers he talks about include:
For more visit http:/www.tipsfortravellers.com/cruising
You can subscribe to the podcast for free and receive all future espisodes on your device via iTunes (http://www.tipsfortravellers.com/iTunesTFT), Stitcher Radio (http://www.tipsfortravellers.com/StitcherTFT) or TuneIn Radio (http://www.tipsfortravellers.com/TuneInTFT).
In episode 177 of the Tips for Travellers audio podcast, Gary Bembridge shares his observations, tips and advice for visitors to St. Thomas in the United States Virgin Islands in the Caribbean. He talks about how his initial impressions of it being an uninspiring America off-shoot too focused on duty-free shopping changed as he explored the island more and engaged with the communities.
In addition to talking about the history, its importance as a cruise port and overall tips he shares his tips on the ten best things to do that includes:
For more visit http://www.tipsfortravellers.com
In this episode of Tips for Travellers, Gary Bembridge shares his tips and tricks on how to get the best fare you possibly can when going on a cruise. He draws on his personal experiences from dozens of cruises and research with cruise agents and other passengers.
For more visit http:/www.tipsfortravellers.com/cruising
You can subscribe to the podcast for free and receive all future espisodes on your device via iTunes (http://www.tipsfortravellers.com/iTunesTFT), Stitcher Radio (http://www.tipsfortravellers.com/StitcherTFT) or TuneIn Radio (http://www.tipsfortravellers.com/TuneInTFT).
In episode 175 of Tips for Travellers, Gary Bembridge shares his advice and tips on visiting Flanders in Belgium and some of the key sights, museums and attractions focused around World War I that took place in the region. Some of the places visited include Talbot House in Poperinge, Memorial Museum Passchendaele, Tyne Cot Cemetery, Menin Gate and In Flanders Field Museum in Ieper (Ypres) and Antwerp.
For more images and deatils visit: http://www.tipsfortravellers.com/visit-flanders/
In this episode of Tips for Travellers, Gary Bembridge shares his tips and tricks on how to budget for and provides 18 tips on how to save money once on a cruise. He shares tricks learnt from the dozens of cruises he has done and research from other passengers.
For more visit http:/www.tipsfortravellers.com/cruising
You can subscribe to the podcast for free and receive all future espisodes on your device via iTunes (http://www.tipsfortravellers.com/iTunesTFT), Stitcher Radio (http://www.tipsfortravellers.com/StitcherTFT) or TuneIn Radio (http://www.tipsfortravellers.com/TuneInTFT).
In this episode of Tips for Travellers, Gary Bembridge shares his observations, tips and tricks on visiting the historic city of Rome in Italy. In addition to discussing why you should visit he also looks at a short history, getting there, getting around before giving his overall tips for travellers and then the must-do things to see and do.
For more visit http:/www.tipsfortravellers.com
You can subscribe to the podcast for free and receive all future espisodes on your device via iTunes (http:/www.tipsfortravellers.com/itunesTFT), Stitcher Radio (http://www.tipsfortravellers.com/StitcherTFT) or TuneIn Radio (http://www.tipsfortravellers.com/TuneInTFT).
In this episode of Tips for Travellers I explore the family-based entertainment, kids' programs and dining on MSC Cruises. Towards the end of 2014 and into 2015, the line started to renovate four of their smaller and older ships (Armonia, Lirica, Sinfonia and Opera) which included slicing them into two and inserting a 25-metre section full of new facilities and cabins. They called it the "Renaissance Programme".
I went on the first of the ships to go through the process, MSC Armonia,after she came out of dry dock and embarked on her inaugural voyage. Whilst on board I was able to view the changes first hand, hear more about the unusual engineering project and find out why they undertook such drastic action. But more importantly what it all means for passengers choosing to cruise on the ships.
While one of the objectives was no doubt to increase the number of guests the ship can carry to leverage costs and make them able to keep offering value fares and still make a return, passengers benefit in at least four areas from what I observed:
1: Improved facilities for families, especially in the Kids' Club areas with more options and partnerships with brands like Chicco baby toys and equipment, Duplo and Lego.
2: Improved dining options and choices including a special restaurant for Spa Suites and an anytime dining restaurant in addition to the fixed seating one.
3: More balcony cabins, something increasingly sought by modern cruisers.
4: Refreshed and updated public areas and cabins with new carpets, reupholstered and new furniture.
To find out more about changes in entertainment, family facilities and dining, which I thought would be of most interest to listeners, I interviewed three key MSC crew and management.
The line is so focused on their family and children programs they invite people to email the head office team focused on the area with suggestions and questions, which Matteo Mancini personally answers.The email is mscmariners@msccruises.com
In this episode of Tips for Travellers, Gary Bembridge shares his observations, tips and advice for visitors to Colombo in Sri Lanka. He explores the history of the region, what surprised him and then looks at overall tips, getting there, getting around and the must-do things to see and do in the city and within reasonable travelling distance. For more visit http://www.tipsfortravellers.com.
Subscribe to the podcast for free on on iTunes, Stitcher Radio and TuneIn Radio
In this episode I explore the ulta-luxury Seabourn cruise line and explore eight things that I think every passenger need to know of they are considering cruising with them. I cover topics that include the type of guests, what is included and not included in your fare, the food and dining, dress codes and the pros and cons of being on a small ship.Visit http://www.tipsfortravellers.com/seabourn for more
In this episode of Tips for Travellers, Gary Bembridge shares his observations, advice and tips on visiting and exploring Kota Kinabalu in the Sabah region of Borneo, which is part of Malaysia despite being over 1,000 miles from the capital.
Included in the podcast are tips on getting there, getting around and the must-do things to see and do in the city and also further afield.
For more visit: http://www.tipsfortravellers.com
I share my tips, tricks and advice on getting the most from a cruise with Crystal Cruises, including planning, preparing for your cruise, getting the most once on board and future cruises. http://www.tipsfortravellers.com/crystal
In this episode of the show I give an overview, observations and review of Crystal Cruises and their Crystal Serenity ship. I share what makes the line unique, who it is best suited for and details of the accommodation, food, facilities and entertainment. http://www.tipsfortravellers.com/crystal
Gary Bembridge of Tips for Travellers shares observations, tips and advice for travellers looking to cruise the Mediterranean region.
Subscribe free to the show on iTunes, Stitcher Radio or TuneIn Radio.
For more visit: http://www.tipsfortravellers.com
This show covers among other topics:
oin me on board the ultra-luxury Seabourn Sojourn cruise ship, and listen to insider insights and tips about cruising with the line.
As I sailed around the Mediterranean on the 450-passenger ship, I interviewed some of the key crew members to get a behind-the-scenes look at what makes Seabourn different, the experience and to find out more about what passengers should expect if they travel with them. I also asked for tips to help guests get the most out of cruising with them.
In the episode you will hear from:
http://www.tipsfortravellers.com
Gary Bembridge of Tips for Travellers shares observations, tips and advice for visitors to the Great Ocean Road near Melbourne Australia.
Subscribe free to the show on iTunes, Stitcher Radio or TuneIn Radio.
For more visit: http://www.tipsfortravellers.com
This show covers among other topics:
Gary Bembridge of Tips for Travellers shares observations, tips and advice for visitors to Melbourne in Australia.
Subscribe free to the show on iTunes, Stitcher Radio or TuneIn Radio.
For more visit: http://www.tipsfortravellers.com
This show covers among other topics:
Gary Bembridge of Tips for Travellers shares observations, tips and advice for travellers considering cruisings on MSC Cruises
Subscribe free to the show on iTunes, Stitcher Radio or TuneIn Radio.
For more visit: http://www.tipsfortravellers.com
This show covers among other topics:
Gary Bembridge of Tips for Travellers shares observations, tips and advice for visitors to Darwin in the Northern Territory of Australia.
Subscribe free to the show on iTunes, Stitcher Radio or TuneIn Radio.
For more visit: http://www.tipsfortravellers.com
This show covers among other topics:
Gary Bembridge of Tips for Travellers shares observations, tips and advice for visitors to the Gold Coast, Queensland in Australia.
Gary Bembridge of Tips for Travellers shares observations, tips and advice for visitors to Hamilton Island, Great Barrier Reef, Australia.
Subscribe free to the show on iTunes, Stitcher Radio or TuneIn Radio.
For more visit: http://www.tipsfortravellers.com
The show explores:
In this episode Gary Bembridge shares loads of advice and tips about river cruising. The show addresses the following questions:
Gary Bembridge runs Tips for Travellers, is the author of "The Cruise Traveler's Handbook" and host of 60-Second Cruise Tips.
Subscribe to the Tips for Travellers show free via iTunes, Stitcher Radio and TuneIn Radio
Gary Bembridge of Tips for Travellers shares observations, tips and advice for planning a long trip.
Subscribe free to the show on iTunes, Stitcher Radio or TuneIn Radio.
This show covers nine key tips covering:
1: Planning is everything
In advance - jot notes of things that happen like costs, events, meter readings, alarm servicing - use to do to do list and also manual if having house sitters
Resources like Jeff Jung's Careerbreaksecrets or CBTravelers Handbook
2: Be Passport Ready
Ensure is valid
Enough empty pages
Visas and ESTA
3: Be Medically ready
Vaccinations
Check-up
Dental
Prescriptions - check issues on taking into countries
Euro medical card
First aid kit
4: Insurance
Travel insurance - annual may not cover - 60 days and less issue
Home insurance - check paid up - advise and see if any restrictions
5: Prepare for the worst
Will
Back-up of key documents - paper copy - email yourself - email set to a friend
Detailed itinerary and how to contact at various stages if need to friends and family - including how they contact each other
6: Be Security Conscious
House sitters - TrustedHouseSitters.com - develop manual
Regular checks - insurance may require these
Foreign Office advice
7: Notify Key Services
Bank / Credit Cards
Mobile Phone - unlock phone
8: Ensure you don't drop balls
Regular costs covered and scheduled via Direct Debit or by setting up payments ahead of time
Housesitters or friends to check mail and alert you about bills or important looking mail
ID to collect post or parcels
Check if things run out while away like car tax, subscriptions , MOT
9: Prepare to enjoy
Guidebooks like DK Eyewitness Travel Guides - electronic versions or books
Wikipedia print outs or email
Daily budget and track
Gary Bembridge of TipsForTravellers.com shares observations, tips and advice for visitors to Singapore.
This show covers among other topics:
General Observations
History
1819 Sir Thomas Raffles wanted to protect British trade routes for British East India company in Asia and landed in singapore to establish a base as was along the shortest route between India and China. Free port was established and he encouraged migrants to come and settle and boomed from there- he is very fondly regarded even despite some policies like Raffles plan which segregated ethnic groups. 1963 joined union with Malay States but did not work as rest were suspicious about the Chinese so broke away 2 years later to become independent state.
Best time to go
High humidity all year round - but pretty constant weather too. Rains most of the year but usually in short bursts.
Great to visit when big events like Singapore F1, Fashion Week and Big Singapore Sale are on.
Getting there
Changi airport is a major hub - only about 25-30 minutes into centre
Cruise ship - big modern cruise terminal in Marina bay development opened in 2013 - public transport accessible
Getting around
General tips
Tips on must-do things to see and do
Gary Bembridge of Tips for Travellers shares observations, tips and advice for visitors to Dubai in the United Arab Emirates.
Subscribe free to the show on iTunes, Stitcher Radio or TuneIn Radio.
This show covers among other topics:
Observations
History
British controlled the area until 1971 when 6 other states formed UAE (Abu Dhabi, Ajman,Fujairah , Ras Al Khaimah, Sharjah and Umm al-Qaiwain). Each has lots of autonomy though is a Supreme Council of Rulers that overseas total UAE
Dubai has biggest population and 2nd in size after Abu Dhabi - oil was discovered in Dubai in 1963 turning a quiet pearl diving, fishing and trade port into wealthy oil producer - but unlike neighbours like Abu Dhabi it does not very large reserves and as will run out the ruling family (Constitutional Monarchy ruled by the Al Maktoum family) has invested into creating a major hub for finance, transport, trade and tourism and went on vast ambitious program of infrastructure building. It almost came undone in the 2008 crash but neighbouring Abu Dhabi bailed them out.
Best time to go
Hot pretty much all year round
Best time Sept to May
Getting there
Possibly best airline hub in the world !
Cruise lines increasingly calling here and the port is close to town
Where to stay
Jumeirah Beach areas - where most resort hotels with beaches are
More business hotels are on Sheikh Zayed road
Getting around
General tips
Tips on must do things to see and do
Visit the new iconic buildings
Burj Khalifa
When opened in 2010 became tallest man made structure - viewing platform on 124th floor. Pre booking is much cheaper but need to do well in advance. Fast Track on the day for immediate entry 400 Dhiramas (about £60 or $100).
Burj Arab Hotel
Most luxurious hotel in world - designed to resemble a sail and has heli-pad above 27th floor. Entry only with a reservation - afternoon tea is classic - strict dress code of smart casual.
The Palm and Atlantis
Man made reclaimed land - visible from space - 4000 villas each with own beach front - 5000 apartments - restaurants -sports facilities - cinemas - Marina docking
Atlantis Hotel - based on original Bahamas hotel billed as a "watery world of wonder" - aquarium with 21 water exhibits including lost Chamber and waterpark
Activities
Historical
Al Faheidi Fort
Dates from 1800s - oldest surviving building in city - now popular museum opened in 1970 - tells story of development of UAE life and history with models and exhibitions.
Sheikh Saeed Al Maktoum house - former ruler who died in 1958 lived here - built around central courtyard in 19century around 30 rooms and traditional wind towers (old fashioned air conditioning system )
Grand Mosque - near the museum
(though the Jumeirah mosque is more impressive building
Shopping
Other things to do
In this episode of the Tips for Travellers show Gary Bembridge shares observations, advice and tips for visitors to the capital of Thailand: Bangkok.
Subscribe to the show free on iTunes, Stitcher Radio or TuneIn Radio
The show covers the following and more:
Observations:
Getting there
Major gateway and also connections hub with most international Travelelers coming in via Suvanathmi international airport
Getting around
Must see things to do
Sights are fairly concentrated in one area close to each other
Wat Phra Kaew and Royal Grand Palace Complex
Grand Palace
Including some key buildings:
Borombhiman Hall
Amarin Vinitchai Throne Room
Chakri Maha Prasat
Dusit Maha Prasat
Emerald Buddha temple - Housed inside the Wat Pra Kaeo
Royal Thai Decorations and Coin Pavillion
Wat Pho
Close by is oldest and largest temple in Bangkok - contains country's largest reclining Buddha
Golden Buddha
Housed in Wat Traimit - 5,5 ton Solid gold Buddha - 3 metres high
Wat Arun
Temple of Dawn named after Indian god of dawn
Museums:
Dolls museum
National museum
Jim Thompson House
Royal Barge Museum
Shopping
Bargaining expected in markets
Chinatown and Little India
Bangkok floating market
Central World Market
Patpong
Red light district
In this episode I bring you insights, obsevations, tips and advice from river cruise insiders through four interviews with river cruising experts who serve on board Uniworld Boutique River Cruise's River Beatrice ship. I recorded the interviews while I was taking a seven-night cruise along the Danube that sailed through Germany, Austria and Hungary.
You will hear the thoughts of Captain Doede Smit, Ike Benedictus (Hotel Manager), Micael Furka (Executive Chef) and Mirela Varga (Cruise Manager). They cover topics that include:
For more on river cruising and Uniworld visit http://www.tipsfortravellers.com/uniworld
Gary Bembridge of Tips for Travellers shares observations, tips and advice for visitors to Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia.
Subscribe free to the show on iTunes, Stitcher Radio or TuneIn Radio
This show covers among other topics:
General Observations
History
Founded in 1857 when Chinese prospectors sent to find tin in the area - only 17 of the 87 survived past a month due to malaria and other tropical diseases - but lure of tin attracted people. British took control and placed strong minded and visionary Chinese governor (Kaptain Yap Ah Loy) who ensured development. Occupied by Japanese in WWII with many Chinese tortured / executed and Indians sent to work on Burma railway building (death railroad). Post the war British ruled until independence in 1957.
Best time to go
Pretty much anytime as always constant between 20 and 30C - no rainy season as such but gets lots of rain and flooding.
Getting there
Good come connections by air and cruise ships dock in Port Kelang at Star Cruise terminal about 1,5 hour drive to KL
Getting around
General tips
Must do things to do and and see
Petronas Twin Tours
When opened was tallest building in world until Taipei 101 took the title away - limited tickets each day to go up (only about 1000) so book online before you go or get there very early - 41st floor sky bridge then up to 86th floor
Suria KLCC Mall below has over 600 designer stores
KLCC park behind it is park is impressive
KL Tower
Next best alternative if cannot get up Petronas though maybe better as not only see the views but also the towers - viewing from about the same height - within the Bukit Nanos forest within the city
Central Market
Been going since 1888
Can get the rapid transit there from Petronas as just a few stops on red line and about 1,80 ringgits each - very easy
Chinatown
Next to Central market - old fashioned houses, markets etc
Nearby is Sir Mahamariamman Temple - built 1873 - very ornate Hindu temple
Per Dans Botanical Garden area
Bird park, butterfly park and botanical gardens for nature lovers
Gardens has over 3000 species orchids, 5000 species of hibiscus flowers created in 1880s
Butterfly park 6000 butterflies and 1000 species with exotic plants to create right environments
Merdeka Square (aka Independence Square)
Used it be cricket ground in British colonial times - where Independence declared now
surrounded by some key buildings -
100 metre flagpole said to be tallest in world
Sultan Abdul Samad building - houses supreme and high courts
St Mary's cathedral
Royal Selanger Club
Nearby is Masjid Jamek - National Mosque built in 1965 and largest in SE Asia - impressive looking building
Little India - restaurants and shops but not as in Singapore
Shopping
Bukt Bitang area - popular shopping area - highest concentration of malls in the city - especially for computers and electronics.
Golden triangle in KLCC around towers.
Further afield
Batu caves - 9 miles north - limestone caves of varying sizes - Hindu shrine inside largest cave - over 270 steps to get to it - smaller cave has museum about Hindu mythology
Gary Bembridge of Tips for Travellers shares observations, tips and advice for visitors to Pattaya in Thailand.
Subscribe free to the show on iTunes, Stitcher Radio or TuneIn Radio
This show covers among other topics:
Observations
History
Was a small remote fishing village until the Vietnam war when in 1959 a boat load of US soldiers taken there for some R&R and had great time and more and more came .
Getting around
Things to do
Beach
Three main sections along the beach front
Nakula Bay - more family orientated (north).
Central - busiest and most popular swimming area.
South near Walking Street (bars and focus of night life)
Swimming areas marked by plastic barriers - densely packed deck chairs and umbrella sections next to them
Water sports - paragliding - jet ski - banana boats
Constant flow of vendors
Pattaya Floating market
Various sections reflecting different regions of Thailand - 114 shops and lots of vendors - can hire boats to go from section to section
Sanctuary of Truth
Huge wooden Castle / Temple covered with carved sculptures depicting heaven and earth - 344 feet high covers area of 21,520 square feet
Nong Nuch tropical gardens
600 acre landscaped park - biggest botanical park in SE Asia - tropical plants (orchids, palms , cycads , cacti , bonsai), various cultural shows (folk dances from regions of Thailand ) and also an elephant performance show
Pairaj Elephant Village
Retirement village for working elephants
Sea Turtle Conservation Centre
Lady Boy shows
Other attractions
Teddy Bear museum
Museum of Bottle Art
Ripley's believe it or not
Underwater World Aquarium
Shopping
Lots of cheap souvenirs
Lots of fakes so watch out
Central Festival Shopping Mall
Gary Bembridge of Tips for Travellers shares observations, tips and advice for visitors to Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam.
Subscribe free to the show on iTunes, Stitcher Radio or TuneIn Radio
This show covers among other topics:
Observations
History
French occupied and colonised in 1859 for about 100 years. Vietnamese struggle for independence started after WWII and led to battles with French ending in country being spilt into 2 at 17th Parralell in Geneva Accord in 1960s. With communist controlled north supported by Russia led by Ho Chi Minh and more western leaning south increasingly supported by USA by NGO Dinh Dien.
USA decided to see Vietnam as key to stopping spread of communism and entered war between North and South as North wanted to unite under their rule. Very violent and bloody war lasting two decades. USA pulled out support in 1973 but war carried on until North overan South culminating in tanks smashing through gates of presidential complex on 30 April 1975 and South unconditionally surrendering.
Vietnam is communist country with 1 party state. World's 2nd largest exporter of rice and coffee with high tech industry growing fast.
Safe country but has reputation of being corrupt.
Ho Chi Minh City is the biggest city in Vietnam but Hanoi in the North is the capital.
Vietnam has massive population close to 90 million (one of top 10 in world) - at least 9 million live in the city.
Getting there
Visa needed.
Large international airport eith new one being built opening in 2025
Rail terminal to many areas
Cruise - large ships dock at Phu My and smaller go right into Port Saigon
Best time to go
Tropical climate and gets very hot
Rainy May to Nov and Dry Dec to April (best time to go).
Getting Around
Millions of motorcycles - about 340000 cars and 3,5 million bikes
Developing a light rapid transit system
Taxis - lots
General Tips
Things to do
Reunification Hall
Previously called Independence Hall
Former South Vietnam President's complex of working and living
War Remnants Museum
Used to be called Museum of American War Crimes - opened in September 1975
Aim is researching and collecting evidence of war crimes and attributes.
Norte Dame Cathedral
Built with materials all from France in 1800s
Municipal Theatre / Opera House
City Hall with Ho Chi Minh Statute
Museum of Vietnamese History and Botanical Gardens
Ho Chi Minh Museum
Designed as museum but used as Governors Palace and then French High Commissioner Residence and office and later Supreme Court.
Bitexco Tower and Saigon Skyview
Shopping
Further Afield
Gary Bembridge of Tips for Travellers shares observations, tips and advice for visitors to Hong Kong.
Subscribe free to the show on iTunes, Stitcher Radio or TuneIn Radio.
This show covers among other topics:
Observations
History
British colony until 1997
Getting There
Very busy airport built on reclaimed land on Lantau Island.
Cruise - Kai Tak Terminal designed on site of old airport runway in Kowloon.
Best time to go
Hot and humid most of year
Coldest in Jan
Hottest July
Getting around
Coveted walkways and open air mid -evels escalator - worlds largest outdoor covered escalator.
Trams - kept despite modern metro system following pretty much same routes.
Busses - 5 companies run 700 routes.
BigBus Hop-on Hop-Off bus tours
General Tips
Use UK style 3-pin plugs
Good App - "Discover Hong Kong" developed by HK tourism board and Cathay Pacific Airline. Works off line and has series of suggested walks.
Must-do activities
Victoria Peak
Tram launched in 1888- 8 minutes ride to the stop with stunning views across city, also has Madame Tussards and shopping.
Star Ferry
Iconic service since 1870s - taking people 7 minutes from Hong Kong to Kowloon Ocean terminal.
Harbour Tour
Many options from Star Ferry, Sailing Junks and motorised junk boat trips.
See Hong Kong at night
Night bus tour
Light show- "Symphony of lights" - 45 skyscrapers on both sides of harbour
Walk the streets on Hong Kong side in Wan Chai and Kowloon along Nathan street
Shopping
Good prices as do no sales tax and is a Duty free port
Stanley market
Central district- high end shops
Hollywood road - antiques and art
SoHo - galleries
Ladies Market
Temple Street Night Market
Aberdeen
Fishing village and Luxury marina
Afternoon tea at Peninsula Hotel
Flagstaff house museum of Teaware - in oldest surviving colonial building -
Beaches
Repulse Bay
Theme Parks
Disneyland
Ocean Park -see Cunard notes
Museums
Can get good value 7-day museum pass
HK museum of art
the space museum
HK science museum
HK museum of history
Further afield
Macau - high speed ferry or bus
Recorded live on my seven-day Uniworld “Enchanting Danube” river cruise from Passau in Germany to Budapest in Hungary visiting Linz, Melk, Durnstein and Vienna along the way. In this two hour show, which is in two parts, I discuss my observations, insights, events and share my tips and advice about river cruising. My aim was to provide an in-depth report on what is it like to take a river cruise and all the events, surprises and things that happen along the way. It is full of tips and advice on how to make the most of river cruising based on my daily experiences.
In the show I cover:
(1) What it is like being on a river cruise for the first time.
(2) Differences between river and ocean cruising.
(3) Who a river cruise is best suited for, and why (including suitability for people with restricted mobility and special needs).
(4) Key Crew members, what they do and their thoughts on river cruising and insider tips.
(5) Things to do on a river cruise - is it as sedate as reputation has them being?
(6) Titan Travel VIP service.
(7) Details of what cruising the Danube is like, and what you should expect including:
- The Danube - facts and figures.
- Style, look and facilities on board the ship.
- Introductory briefing.
- Safety and environmental issues.
- Passenger type and mix - and why those chose to come on a river cruise.
- All-inclusive dining arrangements, food and on-board treats.
- What else is included in the all-inclusive fare.
- Fitness and wellness facilities.
- Daily program and daily update and destination departure and arrival talks.
- On-board entertainment and activities.
- Service standards and approach including the Uniworld Six-Star Service approach
- Technology and Wi-Fi on board including TV channels and the on-board Uniworld SmartPhone App.
- Ship details and how the Captain and crew navigate the Danube and locks
- Excursions in Passau, Linz, Melk, Vienna and Budapest including the different types of all-inclusive excursions available and additional fare paying excursions. I discuss the local guide approach and the QuietVox portable audio system used on tours.
(8)Packing advice and things to ensure you bring.
(9) Smoking policy.
(10) My overall observations, tips and advice on river cruising at the end of the cruise.
For more articles, photographs and videos visit my Uniworld River Cruise page: tipsfortravellers.com/Uniworld
Recorded live on my seven-day Uniworld “Enchanting Danube” river cruise from Passau in Germany to Budapest in Hungary visiting Linz, Melk, Durnstein and Vienna along the way. In this two hour show, which is in two parts, I discuss my observations, insights, events and share my tips and advice about river cruising. My aim was to provide an in-depth report on what is it like to take a river cruise and all the events, surprises and things that happen along the way. It is full of tips and advice on how to make the most of river cruising based on my daily experiences.
In the show I cover:
(1) What it is like being on a river cruise for the first time.
(2) Differences between river and ocean cruising.
(3) Who a river cruise is best suited for, and why (including suitability for people with restricted mobility and special needs).
(4) Key Crew members, what they do and their thoughts on river cruising and insider tips.
(5) Things to do on a river cruise - is it as sedate as reputation has them being?
(6) Titan Travel VIP service.
(7) Details of what cruising the Danube is like, and what you should expect including:
- The Danube - facts and figures.
- Style, look and facilities on board the ship.
- Introductory briefing.
- Safety and environmental issues.
- Passenger type and mix - and why those chose to come on a river cruise.
- All-inclusive dining arrangements, food and on-board treats.
- What else is included in the all-inclusive fare.
- Fitness and wellness facilities.
- Daily program and daily update and destination departure and arrival talks.
- On-board entertainment and activities.
- Service standards and approach including the Uniworld Six-Star Service approach
- Technology and Wi-Fi on board including TV channels and the on-board Uniworld SmartPhone App.
- Ship details and how the Captain and crew navigate the Danube and locks
- Excursions in Passau, Linz, Melk, Vienna and Budapest including the different types of all-inclusive excursions available and additional fare paying excursions. I discuss the local guide approach and the QuietVox portable audio system used on tours.
(8)Packing advice and things to ensure you bring.
(9) Smoking policy.
(10) My overall observations, tips and advice on river cruising at the end of the cruise.
For more articles, photographs and videos visit my Uniworld River Cruise page: tipsfortravellers.com/Uniworld
Gary Bembridge of Tips for Travellers shares observations, tips and advice for visitors to Shanghai in China.
Subscribe free to the show on iTunes, Stitcher Radio or TuneIn Radio
This show covers among other topics:
Observations
History
Getting there
Getting around
General Tips
Must Do:
Pudong
Oriental Pearl TV Tower-
Shanghai World Finance Centre - 100th floor observation tower - including glass floor looking down 100 floors
Jin Mao Tower - Grand Hyatt Hotel (tallest hotel lobby in world 56th floor) - observation floor on 88th - only 45 seconds to get to top
Shanghai tower - 632 m high opposite opened in 2014
The Bund and huge Huangpu Park
Grand old buildings known as the World Architectural Gallery.
People's Square
Shangai Museum
Museum of Contemporary Art
Shanghai Art Museum
Shanghai Grand Theatre
New Town Hall
Urban Planning Museum - past and future Shanghai
Yuyuan Gardens and Bazaar
In the old town, built in the Mid 16th C and took 18 years it build
Bazaar aroudn it has many stores and it is fu
Jade Buddha Temple
Shopping
Counterfeit markets largely closed down and driven under ground now
Nanjing Road
Yuyuan Bazaar
Night River Cruise
Shanghai Acrobatic Show
Gary Bembridge of Tips for Travellers shares observations, tips and advice for visitors to Brisbane in Australia.
Subscribe free to the show on iTunes, Stitcher Radio or TuneIn Radio
This show covers among other topics:
Observations
History
Getting there
Good airline connections within Australia and to parts of Asia
Cruise lines - big ships dock quite way from the city (30-45 mins transfer)
Best time to go
Summer : Dec - Feb
Winter: Jun - Aug
Getting around
Bus - tickets by zone
Rail - to suburbs
River - free and pay for services
Walking
Bike hire scheme (blue bikes)
Green tricycle taxis
Tips
Things to do
River trips
South Bank Parklands
42-acre development on site of 1988 World Expo - very busy at weekends with locals to hang out- includes
Information centre
The Beach - Aquativity water park
Picnic areas
Restaurants
Weekend market
Wheel of Brisbane - 12 to 15 minute ride in aircon enclosed cabin
Queensland performing arts centre
Queensland museum & science centre
Queensland Art gallery
State library of Queesnsland
Gallery of Modern Art
Convention & Exhibition centre
Rainforest walk
Bougainvillea feature
Nepalese Pagoda
Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary
1927 - worlds first koala sanctuary - 130 koala and 90 other Aussie species - 11km away
Mount Coot-tha
Panoramic view from Mount Coot-tha - 8km outside city
Botanical garden - established 1824 as fruit & vegetable garden for nearby Moreton Bay penal settlement - 20 hectares flowers trees
Other
City Hall
Story Bridge Climb
ANZAC square memorial
Shopping
Queens street pedestrian mall - over 600 shops on 1 km
QueensPlaza
Gold Coast day trip
Gary Bembridge of Tips for Travellers shares observations, tips and advice for visitors to Sydney in Australia.
Subscribe free to the show on iTunes, Stitcher Radio or TuneIn Radio
This show covers among other topics:
General Observations
History
Getting there
Best time
Southern Hemisphere so Summer peak is Dec / Jan and coldest in July.
Getting around
Where to stay
Harbour area
Top things to do
Harbour Area
Do harbour tour HOHO or tours from Circular Quay (explain options)
The Rocks
Museum of Contemporary Art - stunning building - renovated and expanded 2012
Explore the icons
Sydney Harbour Bridge - bridge walk - 4 hours long short 1,5 hour
Opera House - behind scene tours and backstage tours -
Visit the beaches
Bondi - use 333 bendy bus - train to Bondi a Junction then bus
Manley - harbour trip there scenic - surfing - snorkel - penguins
Darling Harbour
Buzzy and busy with many tourist attractions:
Sealife Aquarium
Australian National Maritime Museum
IMAX
Madame tussards
Powerhouse Museum
Sydney Tower and Skywalk
Shopping
Westfield Sydney
Queen Victoria building
Pitt street - the 5th Ave of Sydney
Oxford street
Other
Olympic Park Tour
Gardens - Hyde park, Botanical gardens, Chinese gardens
Luna Park
Gary Bembridge of Tips for Travellers shares his observations, tips and advice about Australia.
Subscribe to the show free on iTunes, Stitcher Radio or TuneIn Radio.
Highlights of the show includes:
Overall:
Vast country and had not really digested how different and extreme the climates were. Like being transported to different worlds with the arrid centre to tropical cyclones in north with a range of time zones (including half hour ones !)
Provinces and territories
Northern Territory - Darwin
Queensland - Brisbane
New South Wales - Sydney and Canberra
Victoria - Melbourne
Tasmania - Hobart
South Australia - Adelaide
Western Australia - Perth
Some observations:
History
Convict beginnings: after USA independence the Uk faced over-crowded prisons and so sent 750 convicts, 210 marines and 40 women and kids to establish a penal colony. But most of population roots are from non convict immigration especially post World Wars
WWII history was huge surprise and really interesting including the bombing of Darwin and submarine attacks on Sydney. General MacArthur was based here to command war the Pacific War.
Federal government and part of the Commonwealth with the Queen as head of state.
Getting there
Long flight with connections via Dubai, Singapore and Hong Kong into most major cities
Cruising there is an option as most major lines sail there
Best time to visit
Summer Southern Hemisphere - Oct to March
Avoid the rainy season in North in early part of year
Getting around
Consider the train option - great train iconic journeys - the Ghan - Indian Pacific - - but expensive
Flights - price compare across Virgin, Qantas and JetStar. There is very frequent connection between cities
Cruise around the whole of Australia - all key cities are on the Coast so really good option.
Good infrastructure in cities for getting around
Tips
Time: you need lots of time as it is a vast country. Every time change location assume a lost day travel
Don't over schedule: my rough rule is allow 3 - 4 days in each place and 1 day travel time
Plan on the assumption will have another trip there
Do the Eastern side one visit and Southern another
See the Icons
Sydney with the famous bridge and opera house and surfer beaches of Bondi and Manley
Melbourne & Great Ocean Road
Alice Springs / Uluru Rock
Great Barrier Reef (from Hamilton Island or Cairns / Port Douglas / Yorkey's Knob)
Gold Coast (Theme Parks and beach)
Darwin - Katherine Gorge
On your second trip:
Blue Mountains
Perth
Adelaide and wine lands and kangaroo island (explain)
Tasmania
Episode six of a six part series recorded live on board Cunard Queen Mary 2 World Voyage bringing my insights, observations, tips and advice about cruising and travelling on extended voyages.
Covers travel from Colombo to Dubai
In this episode topics discussed includes: explaining the impact of the anti-piracy precautions now in place, shopping on board, alcohol and drinks activities, Todd English Restaurant, Entertainment Team Murder Mystery Show, Christmas Caribbean Cruise tradition, on board cruise booking and benefits, weddings on the ship, photographs and cruise DVD, Cruise Employee of the month and my final tips on what to consider if your are thinking of taking an extended cruise voyage
For the full series and more visit http://wwww.tipsfortravellers.com/QM2
Episode five of a six part series recorded live on board Cunard Queen Mary 2 World Voyage bringing my insights, observations, tips and advice about cruising and travelling on extended voyages.
Covers travel from Singapore to Kuala Lumpur, Lankawi and Colombo
In this episode topics discussed includes: changing passenger mix and ambience, Singapore customs and immigration issues and process, medical facilities on board, excursion process pros and cons, shuttle busses in port, sea days and activities, fitness and spa, casino and bingo, iStudy, Sri Lanka issues and challenges and preparing for Pirates (restrictions, drill and precautions)
For the full series and more visit http://wwww.tipsfortravellers.com/QM2
Episode four of a six part series recorded live on board Cunard Queen Mary 2 World Voyage bringing my insights, observations, tips and advice about cruising and travelling on extended voyages.
Covers travel from Ho Chi Minh City to Bangkok and Singapore
In this episode topics discussed includes: experiences and thoughts from people doing the entire World Voyage (based on my meeting with Sally Foster who was doing it), solo travel, differences in passenger mix and ambience by leg of the voyage, Cunard Insights talks program, excursion tips and advice, perks and benefits for people doing the full World Voyage, Cunard ships in history and war, Father Ray Foundation Thailand Concert, afternoon tea, laundry and on board activities (writing competition, ship building and decathlon)
For the full series and more visit http://wwww.tipsfortravellers.com/QM2
Episode three of a six part series recorded live on board Cunard Queen Mary 2 World Voyage bringing my insights, observations, tips and advice about cruising and travelling on extended voyages.
Covers travel from Shanghai to Hong Kong and Ho Chi Minh City
In this episode topics discussed includes: docking problems in Shanghai, visiting China and the visa and immigration procedures and requirements, challenges Shanghai faces as major port, passenger talent show and choir, implications of cruising on a large cruise ship versus small ones, importance of choosing the right cruise line, impact of the end of the world voyage leg on the passenger mix and on board ambience, art sales on board, library and bookshop with Captain’s memorabilia signing and immigration process and visa process for Vietnam
For the full series and more visit http://wwww.tipsfortravellers.com/QM2
Episode two of a six part series recorded live on board Cunard Queen Mary 2 World Voyage bringing my insights, observations, tips and advice about cruising and travelling on extended voyages.
Covers travel from Yorkeys Knob (Great Barrier Reef) across the equator to Kota Kinabalu and onto Shanghai
In this episode topics discussed includes: budgeting and saving money on board including wine and internet packages, evening entertainment shows including the crew talent show, Cunard World Voyage charities, crossing the Equator ceremony, photo competition and photography on bard, how a ship’s size is measured, Wi-Fi and internet speed and access, Annual Crew tug-of-war competition, future voyage sales savings, White Star Service and recognition wards, “Wake Up with the Entertainment Director” TV show and gratuities.
For the full series and more visit http://wwww.tipsfortravellers.com/QM2
Episode one of a six part series recorded live on board Cunard Queen Mary 2 World Voyage bringing my insights, observations, tips and advice about cruising and travelling on extended voyages.
Covers travel from Sydney to Yorkeys Knob (Great Barrier Reef) in Australia
In this episode topics discussed includes: medical services, things to do on board and the daily program, passenger mix and ages, tendering to shore and the excursion process, tourist tax refund scheme, passport and visa management process, accommodation options on board, Cunard loyalty scheme and benefits, norovirus prevention and the sail out from Sydney harbour.
For the full series and more visit http://wwww.tipsfortravellers.com/QM2
Join me as I travel over three days and two nights on the luxurious Ghan train in Australia. This iconic railway journey transports travellers between Darwin in the very north of the country in the Northern Territory to Adelaide right down in South Australia. The trip is over 2,900 kilometres and includes calls at Katherine and Alice Springs. I recorded this episode live on the train over the course of the remakable experience and share with you insights, tips and advice about the train and the journey. For more including a video covering the train journey as well as photographs please visit http://www.tipsfortravellers.com/theghan
I talk to Doug Parker who created and hosts both Cruise Radio at cruiseradio,net and the Weekend Travel Show at weekendtravelshow.com audio podcasts. He talks about why he created them, memorable shows, what advice and tips travellers can get from his shows and talks about this predictions about the future of cruising and travel. http://www.tipsfortravellers.com
In this episode I discuss MSC Cruises and cruising with Giles Hawke who is the Executive Director for MSC UK, Ireland and Australia. We spoke about what makes MSC Cruises different, why it is good for families and luxury travellers, why MSC Cruises should be the line of choice if cruising in the Mediterranean, their new Grand Adventure cruise from UAE to Sydney and his view on the coming cruising trends. For more visit http://www.tipsfortravellers.com/msccruises
In this episode of Tips for Travellers I talk to Shannon O'Donnell who is the author of "The Volunteer Traveler's Handbook" and runs alitteladrift.com and grassrootsvolunteering.org . We talk about how every trip you do can give back to the community. For more visit http://www.tipsfortravellers.com
In this epsiode I answer some questions from listeners about cruising including the difference between Cunard Queens and Princess Grill and which to chose and why, what exactly does a Butler do for you on a cruise ship and what questions and things to check with a cruise line if you have accessibility issues and are in a wheelchair. If you have any questions contact me via http://www.tipsfortravellers.com and I will cover them in a future podcast and on the site.
In this episode of Tips for Travellers I am joined by Jodi Ettenberg who runs LegalNomads.com, JodiEats and is also the author of "The Food Traveler's Handbook". She is an expert in travelling with food as a focus. She shares what inspired her to travel focused on food and how to make the most of it. She also gives advice and tips on food travel - including how to get the most out of it even if you have dietary issues and concerns. Jodi also talks about her food based tours that she runs in different places around the world. For more visit http://www.tipsfortravellers.com
In this episode I share my impressions, tips and advice on cruising with the 60-year old Italian Crusie line Costa Cruises. I talk about life on board and what to expect, who Costa is best suited for and who may not like the line (and why). I give my thoughts on how to make the most of the experience and the crew. For more visit http://www.tipsfortravellers.com/cruising
Jeff Jung, author of "The Career Break Traveler's Handbook" and CareerBreakSecrets.com joins me to give his advice and tips about who career break travel is best suited for, when you should go and how to go about planning and getting the most out of it. For more visit http://www.tipsfortravellers.com
In this epsiode I talk and play some of the "60 Second Cruise Tips" show that I launched at the end of 2013. As the title suggests I share tips in short and sharp formats. It is a video show but also works as an audio podcast. Find the show on your favourite podcast app or catcher or visit http://www.60secondcruisetips.com for all the links and more.
In this episode I am joined by Nellie Huang from WildJunket.com blog and magazine. She is also the author of "The Adventure Traveler's Handbook". In this show she shares what inspired her to get into adventure travel, the benefits of travelling this way and gives her top tips on getting the most from the experience. For more visit http://www.tipsfortravellers.com
In this episode I talk to Mara Gorman who runs the blog MotherOfAllTrips.com and is the author of "The Family Traveler's Handbook" about family travel. She shares with us her story and provides her unique take on family travel providing inspiration, advice and tips about many aspects of family travel. In the interview and discussion she challenges many of the preconceptions I had about family travel. She gives her tips on planning, budgeting and safety. For more visit http://www.tipsfortravellers.com
In this episode I share the 11 most common mistakes people make when it comes to cruising - and give my tips for travellers with advice on how to avoid and overcome them. I also recommend using my "The Cruise Traveler's Handbook" when planning a cruise for more tips. Visit http://www.tipsfortravellers.com/cruising
This episode of the podcast brings you my observations, advice and tips recorded live on the inaugural voyage of the Norwegian Getaway cruise ship. This ship launched in January 2014 and is a large ship that really embodies the "freestyle approach" to cruising with huge amount of choice. I explore the ship, give tips on things to do and how to get the most out of cruising on the Norwegian Getaway. I also play an session with the CEO Kevin Sheehan who is the CEO of Norwegian Cruise Line. For more (including videos and photos) visit http://www.tipsfortravellers.com/NorwegianGetaway and buy my book "The Cruise Traveler's Handbook"
In this epsiode I share my tips and advice for travellers about the very popular Spanish city of Barcelona. The busiest cruise port in Europe, popular for weekend breaks and long vacations the city has much to offer a wide range of visitors. In this show I look at my impressions, why it is so popular and share tips and advoce on getting there, getting around and then the must-do things to see and do on any visit. For more visit http://www.tipsfortravellers.com
In this episode I share my advice and tips for travellers visiting Miami. THis is a city that I love more every time I visit. It is a vibrant and diverse city which has been going through massive change, development and is very exciting. I share tips on getting around and the must-do things to see and do including South Beach, the isalnds, Downtown, Cocount Grove, Coral Gables and Little Havana. For more visit http://www.tipsfortravellers.com
In this episode I share 11 tips and tricks on how to get the most out of a cruise with the Holland America Line. They are based on over a decade of cruising and a trip on the Nieuw Amsterdam ship. Although the podcast focuses on Holland America, the tisp and tricks apply to most cruise lines. For mroe visit http://www.tipsfortravellers.com/hollandamerica
I interview Janice Waugh the author of "The Solo Traveler's Handbook" and the solotravelerblog.com to get her advice and tips for travellers of all ages thinking of solo travel. She shares her first hand advice and inspiration and how to get the most out of solo travel - including how to get the best deals and proces. For more visit http://www.solotravelerblog.com , http://www.thetravelershandbooks.com and http://www.tipsfortravellers.com
In this espiode we keep exploring the Naples area and the amazzing attractions near to the city by visiting the town of Herculaneum. While Pompeii is the more famous town destroyed by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius, Herculaneum is as fascinating and worth visiting. The town was submerged by a river of mud and so was very well preserved. It is many metres below current ground level and only a quarter has been excavated for viewing. Better preserved than Pompeii it is a fascinating insight into life in Roam times. This podacst gives my take on the history and provides tips for travellers visiting the area. For more http://www.tipsfortravellers.com
In this episode I explore things to do around the Southern Italy city of Naples and focus on Mount Vesuvius and Pompeii. This volatile volcano destroyed Pompeii in 79AD. The town was lost and forgotten about until the 1700s when it was discovered and ha since been revealed again. It is an incredible experience. In this podcast I explore the history and giev tips on climbing up Mount Vesuivius and also the ebst way to explore Pompeii. For more visit http://www.tipsfortravellers.com
In this episode I talk about my book published in paperback and ebook formats by Full Flight Press. desigend to quash myths about cruising and inspire people to explore the world from the water - be it oceans, rivers or canals. It is designed to help new and established cruisers to find a crusie vaaction that will be right for them and ensure an unforegettable crusie vacation. I discuss more about the contents, abckground and what you acn expect in the book. For more visit http://www.tipsfortravellers.com/books
In this episode I share my tips for travellers about visiting the remarkable Niagara Falls on the Canadian and United States border. I explore a short history of the area and then give you advice and tips on getting there, getting around, where to stay and how to make the most of the Falls - including if you are visiting with kids. For more visit http://www.tipsfortravellers.com
I interview Janice Waugh who is the publisher behind "The Travelers's Handbook" series of inspirational and practical how-to guide books covering topics including adventures, career break, cruise, family, food, luxury, solo and volunteer travel. Janice also wrote "The Solo Traveler's Handbook". She talks about how the series is different from other travel books and how they are all written by established blogger writers established in each noche. If you visit http://www.thetravelershandbooks.com to see more about the books and to download a free sample of all of the books. Also visit http://www.tipsfortravellers.com/cruise-traveler-handbook
In the second of the series looking at cruising on the MSC Divina from Miami around the Caribbean I share my ten tips and advice on how to get the most out of cruising with the ship and line. I explore how they have made sure the ship retains the Mediterranean heritage but appeal and meet the needs of the North American market better. For more visit http://www.tipsfortravellers.com/mscdivina
This episode is the first of a two-part series about the MSC Divina which is now based out of Miami year round sailing around the Caribbean. In this first session I interview the USA President and CEO Rock Sasso, USA Senior VP of Sales and Marketing Ken Muskat and MSC Divina Cruise Director Andre Schlemmer while I was on board the inaugural sailing about what MSC Cruises have done to make the ship, service and entertainment meet the needs of the North America cruise passenger. They share their thoughts and give lots of tips and advice too about how to get the most out of cruising with MSC Divina. For more visit http://www.tipsfortravellers.com/MSCDivina . In part two I give my advice and tips on how to get the most out of cruising on MSC Divina out of Miami.
In this episode I explore cruising with Norwegian Cruise Line and the Norwegian Epic specifically. I take a look at who the line is best suited for and why, what "Freestyle Cruising" really means, what they offer and what makes them different. I also interview the Hotel Director (Mirsad Bucuk) and Cruise Director (Jill Tasker) about what makes Norwegian Cruise Line different and unique. For more on cruising with them visit http://www.tipsfortravellers.com/Norwegian
In this episode i give my tips for travellers on how to make the most of a visit to the large sprawling city of Los Angeles. Home to movies and television I share advice on getting there, getting around and where to stay. Then I share my tips on the must do things to see and do focused around movies and television, style and glamour, beaches, commerce, arts and culture and special interest groups like kids, cruise fans and the gay and lesbian community. For more visit http://www.tipsfortravellers.com/destinations
In this episode I recommend my 22 must do things to see and do in Las Vegas. I share my tips for thinsg to do on the Strip, Downtown and further afield. I also recommend the best places to shop. You can also hear more advice and tips about Las Vegas on the history, where to stay, getting around and more in the Tips for Travellers pdcast number 29 on Las Vegas overview and visit http://www.tipsfortravellers.com
In this episode, my Tips for Travellers on visiting Helsinki in Finland. This water based city bridges western and eastern Europe with its location so close to Russia. Lots to do and see. For more visit http://www.tipsfortravellers.com and the sponsors (DK Eyewitness Travel Guides) at http://www.tipsfortravellers.com/DK
I interview with Marco van Belleghem, the Hotel Director on Holland Amerca Line Nieuw Amsterdam. In the interview he speaks about his photography, what makes Holland America cruise line different, what types of passnegers they are best suited for and his favoutrite ports on the world. For more about cruiisng with Holland America visit http://www.tipsfortravellers.com/HollandAmerica
Tips for travellers about Tallinn Estonia. This modern city was home of Skype and is a very connected city, with a lot of history. In this episode I share advice on getting there, getting around and the must do things to do and see. For more visit http://www.tipsfortravellers.com and the DK Eyewitness Guide site at http://www.tipsfortravellers.com/DK
Tips for Travellers about the unique cruise line, Swan Hellenic and their flagship The Minerva. Observations, advice and tips about who the line is best suited for, and why. What makes the line different and special. I also interview the Head of Hotel Operations, Victoria Kennedy. For more visit http://www.tipsfortravellers.com/cruising
Tips for travellers visiting the historic city of St. Petersburg. Advice on getting there, getting around and the must do things to see and do while there. For more visit http://www.tipsfortravellers.com and the DK Eyewitness Guide who sponsor the episode at http://www.tipsfortravellers.com/DK
Observations, advice and tips about cruising with Silversea Cruises which offers a small ship, all-inclusive, ultra-luxury cruise experience. I explore how it differs to large cruise ships and the pros and cons based on travelling on the Silver Whisper. For more visit http://www.tipsfortravellers.com/Silversea where you can also get a free eBook about Silversea
Tips for travellers visiting the modern city of Toronto in Canada. Including advice on getting there, getting around, and the must do things to do. For more visit http://www.tipsfortravellers.com and the sponsor of this episode DK Eyewitness Travel Guides at http://www.tipsfortravellers.com/DK
Tips for travellers visiting the maritime city of Rotterdam in Holland. For decades it was the largest port in the world, until Shanghai took over, it has lots to see as it modernises and revamps the city. In this episode my advice on getting there, getting around and the must to things to do and see. For more visit http://www.tipsfortravellers.com and the sposnor DK Eyewitness Guide at http://www.tipsfortravellers.com/DK
Tips for Travellers abour Seabourn Cruises, the small ship luxury cruise line that is part of the Carnival group. I give my observations, tips for who they are best suited for, what the fare includes and interview Chad Briggs who is the Destination Service Manager and Paul Beswetherick, who is the Food and Beverage Manager on the Seabourn Sojourn. For more visit http://www.tipsfortravellers.com/Seabourn
In this episode Tips for Travellers compares the flagship Cunard ship, Queen Mary 2 Queens Grill, and the MSC Preziosa premium Yacht Club. Looking at 5 areas: food, entertainment, exclusivity, crew and cabins. Although on the surface they are very different "class" of cruise lines and ships, the comparison was not as straight forward as you may expect. For more http://www.tipsfortravellers.com
Tips for travellers visiting Sicily and Italy. A stunning ancient town in the shadow of the active volcano Mount Etna. Long links to Hollywood and a glamourous stories of artists, writers and playwrites that use to visit here. Beautiful coastline and beaches are nearby. In this episode you will hear tips for travellers about getting there, getting around, things to do. A must see destination. For more visit http://www.tipsfortravellers.com
Tips for travellers about the Portsmouth Historic Dockyard on the South Coast of England. It is really worth adding to any tour of the UK, just 1.5 hours from London, it is a working base for the Royal Navy and you can tour 3 important battleships: HMS Victory (Lord Nelson's ship), HMS Warrior (1st steam battleship) and mary Rose. The Mary Rose was Henry VIII's battleship and is over 500 years old which was sunk in battle. Discovered in 1972, raised in 1982 and then protected and only open to public view on 31 May 2013. Amazing place to visit. For more visit http://www.tipsfortravellers.com
Tips for travellers for visiting Berlin, the Capital of Germany. Today it is a buzzing, exciting and fascinating city to visit, but one with a traumatic past from the virtual destruction by the Allied Forces in World War II and from being divided by the Berlin War during the Cold War. Post re-unification of Germany it once agian became the capital, and is a fascinating city to visit. In this episode, Gary Bembridge gives his tips for travellers about getting there, getting around, where to stay and the "must-do" things to do and see both in the city and surroundings. For more visit http://www.tipsfortravellers.com
As the Official Blogger of the MSC Preziosa Cruise Ship, I bring you 3 behind-the-scenes interviews from the ship. I speak to the Captain (Captain Bossi), the Hotel Manager (Raffaele Cinque) and Head Butler (Thierry Fnu). They give insights about what it takes to prepare a cruise ship for launch, tips for travellers about getting the most of cruising and with MSC.
In this episode I explore tips for travellers about the Northern Territory of Australia with an exclusive interview with the Government Minister for Tourism and the CEO of Tourism NT. They give their tips for travellers visiting this territory best known as the "outback" with the iconic Uluru / Ayers Rock. They give tips about the less visited parts of the region and their tips for getting the most out of this amazing part of the world.
In this episode I interview with Andrea Gangale of MSC Cruises. He is a Naval Architect and was responsible for deciding what features went into the MSC Preziosa, the flagship of the MSC Cruises Fleet. He shares insights about how ships are built and planned and how a company like MSC Cruises go about designing a luxury ship and on-board experience. For more visit http://www.tipsfortravellers.com/MSC
History and things to do on 3 more stunning island islands in the Caribbean, including 2 of the most popular ones. We explore St. Thomas, St. Maarten and Dominica
3 more things I learnt about the Caribbean on my most recent trip there. Did you know them?
In part 2 of a 3 part series meeting some of the people behind the scenes on Cunard Queen Mary 2, I interview Robert Howie (Hotel Manager) and Nicholas Oldroyd (Executive Chef) and find out what their roles entail, and get some insider insights and perspectives about how this massive ship functions.
Exclusive interview with 2 of Cunard Queen Mary 2 Entertainment Directors, giving their tips and insights about travelling with Cunard and the Queen Mary 2
Part 2 of observations recorded live on Cunard Queen Mary 2 during a transatlantic crossing from Southampton to New York
A real beauty and a beast of a city. Rich history, stunning buildings, maritime and cruise links and great food. A real discovery and jewel to visit. for more http://www.tipsfortravellers.com
Gateway to the Costa Brava and just 100 km from Barcelona. A facsinating city worth exploring if you come to Barcelona. Many low cost airlines fly in here as their Barcelona airport. Visit http://www.tipsfortravellers.com for more
Interview with the head of the tourist board of Fort Myers in Florida. http://www.tipsfortravellers.com
Interview with the team from the Flame of Africa and their tours of Victoria Falls, Kariba, Chobe and Botswana. http://www.tipsfortravellers.com
Interview with the team behind The View from The Shard in London. The tallest building and highest viewing platform in Europe. http://www.tipsfortravellers.com
Exploring of the fares for luxury hotels and cruises are being funded by low wages and tips on how to ensure the local community gets the most from our visits. http://www.tipsfortravellers.com
Review and insights of cruise ship operations based on behind the scenes tours. http://www.tipsfortravellers.com
What makes Cunard Cruise LIne different and special. Thoughts and tips. http://www.tipsfortravellers.com/cunard
Tips on touring and visiting Buckingham Palace in London. The oficial residence of the British Royal Family. http://www.tipsfortravellers.com
Tips for visitors to this stunning village 130 miles inland in the Norwegian Fjords. http://www.tipsfortravellers.com
Tips for visitors to Geiranger in the Norwegian Fjords. http://www.tipsfortravellers.com
Advice and tips about getting the most out of cruising the Norwegian Fjords. Things to do and what to avoid. http://www.tipsfortravellers.com/cruising
Advice and tips on visiting the Hoover Dam and Lake Mead near to Las Vegas. http://www.tipsfortravellers.com
Cruising the Caribbean Part 2 provides advice and tips to get the most out of cruising the region. http://www.tipsfortravellers.com/cruising
Cruising the Caribbean Part 1 explores what you should expect if you cruise this region. http://www.tipsfortravellers.com
Review and tips about the Warner Bros Studio tour of Harry Potter Studios London. http://www.tipsfortravellers.com
Advice and tips on travelling on the Eurostar and through the Channel Tunnel. http://www.tipsfortravellers.com
Review, advice and tips on visiting the Royal Yacht Britannia in Edinburgh Scotland. http://www.tipsfortravellers.com
Advice and tips on 5 more things to do when visiting Cape Town. http://www.tipsfortravellers.com
Review, advice and tips about cruising on Cunard's Queen Elizabeth cruise ship. http://www.tipsfortravellers.com
Upated and additional tips and advice for first time cruisers. http://www.tipsfortravellers.com/cruising
Advice and tips on visiting the gourmet capital of South Africa: Franschhoek. It so about an hour drive from Cape Town. http://www.tipsfortravellers.com
Review, advice and tips about travelling on the British Pullman Orient Express train. http://www.tipsfortravellers.com
Advice and tips on some of the best English stately homes to visit including Heywood House, Hatfield House and more. http://www.tipsfortravellers.com
Advice and tips on visiting the historic town of Cherbourg in France where ocean liners used to depart for the United States and home of the French nuclear submarines. http://www.tipsfortravellers.com
More advice and tips on visiting the stunning city of Cape Town in South Africa. http://www.tipsfortravellers.com
Review, advice and tips about visiting the British Museum in London. http://www.tipsfortravellers.com
Review, advice and tips about visiting Vinoplois wine centre in London. http://www.tipsfortravellers.com
Review, advice and tips about doing a transatlantic crossing on Cunard's Queen Mary 2 ocean liner. http://www.tipsfortravellers.com/cunard
Review and tips on doing the Duck Tour of London, an unusual bus tour that takes you on the road and into the Thames too. http://www.tipsfortravellers.com
Advice and tips on visiting the beautiful city of Prague in the Czech Republic. http://www.tipsfortravellers.com
Review and tips on visiting the Sealife Aquarium in London. http://www.tipsfortravellers.com
Review, advice and tips on travelling on the classic Rovos Rail train in South Africa between Pretoria and Cape Town. http://www.tipsfortravellers.com
Advice and tips on visiting the Isle of Wight in England. http://www.tipsfortravellers.com
Advice and tips on visiting San Francisco in California. http://www.tipsfortravellers.com
Advice and tips about visiting the Victoria Falls on the Zambia - Zimbabwe border. http://www.tipsfortravellers.com
Tips for Travellers on the movie town of Los Angeles California USA. For more visit http://www.tipsfortravellers.com
Advice and tips on the best places to eat in Barbados in the Caribbean. http://www.tipsfortravellers.com
Advice and tips on visiting Universal Studios Theme Park in Los Angeles California. http://www.tipsfortravellers.com
Advice and tips about visiting Palm Springs California. http://www.tipsfortravellers.com
Review, observations and tips about Cunard's Queen Mary 2 ocean liner. http://www.tipsfortravellers.com/cunard
Advice and tips on visiting Disneyland in Los Angeles. http://www.tipsfortravellers.com
Tips about Santa Monica near Los Angeles in California. http://www.tipsfortravellers.com
Thoughts and tips about flying with Virgin Atlantic Airlines. http://www.tipsfortravellers.com
Tips on Montreaux in Switzerland. Home of the famous jazz festival - and more. http://www.tipsfortravellers.com
Advice and tips on visiting Barbados in the Caribbean. http://www.tipsfortravellers.com
Tips about the stunning Indian Ocean island of Mauritius. http://www.tipsfortravellers.com
Tips on exploring the French Riviera in the south of France. Cannes, Nice and Monte Carlo. http://www.tipsfortravellers.com
Advice and tips on visiting the Sabi Sands Game Reseve in South Africa near Kruger National Park. http://www.tipsfortravellers.com
Tips for travellers visiting the capital of Zimbabwe Harare. http://www.tipsfortravellers.com
A guide to seeing the must see attractions and places in New York in just 48 hours! http://www.tipsfortravellers.com
Retired here in 1967 this grand old ocean liner is now a tourist attraction and hotel. http://www.tipsfortravellers.com
Review and thought about crossing the Atlantic on Cunard's QE2 ocean liner. http://www.tipsfortravellers.com/cunard
Advice and tips on visiting Dubai in the UAE (United Arab Emirates). http://www.tipsfortravellers.com