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Cruise Tips

Whether you’re planning your first cruise or you’ve lost count of how many you’ve taken, I’ve put together everything I’ve learned: the things that save you money, the mistakes worth avoiding and the details that actually make a difference onboard.

Leaving from Greece on Celebrity Infinity

3 Reasons Why People Get Left Behind By Cruise Ships At The Port (It’s Not To Do With Not Buying Cruise Line Excursions)

04/04/2024

When you are taking a cruise, you really don’t want to risk missing your ship. Cruise ship passengers often seem to be in the news because they have missed the ship and been “abandoned” or “stranded” by the cruise line … Read more

Tags cruise tips, cruising, port
The Fred Olsen Way promise sign

These Cruise Lines Will Give You A Full Refund (And Fly You Home!) If You Don’t Enjoy It.

18/02/202604/04/2024

Some cruise lines offer a money-back guarantee. You can ask for a full refund if you don’t love your cruise! As you would expect, many terms and conditions apply to these refunds – but booking a cruise with these lines … Read more

Tags Ambassador Cruise Line, cruise tips, Fred Olsen, Saga, Saga River Cruise
Celebrity Infinity life ring

5 Things You Should Avoid if You Want a VERY CHEAP Cruise (I Do All These)

18/02/202627/03/2024

If you are looking for a cheap cruise, there are lots of things to avoid that can push the prices up significantly! We have all seen bargain offers, but when you come to book them, they are no longer available … Read more

Tags Booking, cabin, cruise tips, money saving
p&o iona buffet yorkshire pudding

5 Things You Should Do on Embarkation Day – Straight After Boarding

02/07/202520/03/2024

I am lucky enough to cruise many times a year, and there are five things I always do once I get on board. Find out what those five things are in the article below. I am quite an organised person, … Read more

Tags cruise tips, Embarkation Day
Sagrada Familia In Barcelona

7 Reasons Why Your Next Cruise Should be in The Mediterranean

22/02/2024

I have taken many many cruises around the Mediterranean. There are lots of reasons why I keep returning again and again. In this article, we explore some of those reasons and why I think you should cruise there too. #1 … Read more

Tags cruise tips, Destination Guide, Mediterranean Cruise
Drinking Coke on Arvia

Drinks Packages Aren’t Worth it For Me – Here’s How I Decide (Price Lists & More)

18/06/202531/01/2024

If you are taking a cruise you might be wondering if it’s worth buying a drinks package, I usually don’t and in this article, I will explain why. I rarely buy a drinks package when I cruise. I will on … Read more

Tags Drinks package, money saving

What I Packed For a European WINTER River Cruise (Essentials, Clothes and More)

05/11/202411/01/2024

Heading off on a winter river cruise? How exciting! I’ve just got back from a river cruise in Germany. To make sure you have everything you need (and nothing you don’t.) Here is a streamlined guide to packing for your … Read more

Tags christmas cruise, Christmas Markets, Packing List, TUI River Cruise
Emma, World Europa

12 Free Things You Have to Try on MSC Cruises (Tried and Tested!)

18/06/202510/01/2024

If you are considering a cruise with MSC you might wonder which activities you can take part in free of charge. Activities onboard MSC ships vary from one to another, with the newer larger ships having more to offer. I … Read more

Tags money saving, MSC, yacht club
Emma cruises and Arvia

The Truth About Cruising in a Storm (We Found a Lost Lifeboat!)

27/05/202428/11/2023

“We have noticed what appears to be, an upturned liferaft in the water that went down the starboard side of Arvia. We are in the process of turning around, we’ve contacted the local authorities in the area and another ship … Read more

Tags Cruising from the UK, P&O Cruises, Seasickness
msc for me mobile phone app msc meraviglia

Costly Mistakes to Avoid When Using Your Phone on a Cruise – (Beginners Guide)

18/06/202501/11/2023

If you are considering taking a cruise you may be wondering if you can stay in touch with family and friends back home by using your phone in the normal way. In this article, we explain how and when you … Read more

Tags phone
coke plus served on cruise

Watch Out For This Secret Ingredient Lurking in Some Cruise Ship Sodas

18/06/202505/10/2023

I just disembarked a cruise in Asia, and while onboard, I was repeatedly served Soda with an ingredient that I definitely didn’t order. It wasn’t listed on any menus, but I was given it daily. After a taste test, and … Read more

Tags asia, Coke Plus, Royal Caribbean
Emma Cruises Norwegian Prima Pool Deck

Is It Best To Use a Travel Agent or Book Directly With The Cruise Line? (Money-Saving Hints and Tips For Booking, and Much More…)

17/06/202503/10/2023

In this article, we look at whether or not it is best to use a travel agent. I usually use a Travel Agent, as it saves me any problems should something go wrong! Knowing my travel agent will be there … Read more

Tags cruise info, cruise tips, moneysaving, travel agent

Cruising For Solos (Solo Cabins, Cruise Fares and Onboard Events)

28/05/202519/09/2023

Cruising on a budget when cruising solo can be difficult, so here we explore hints and tips to help you get the best value for money. There are Two Different Cabin Options When You Cruise Alone: Norwegian Cruise Lines are … Read more

Tags cruise tips, solo cruising
Carnival Luminosa

The Australian Cruise Market (Which Lines Sail There, When To Go and Much Much More…)

28/05/202519/09/2023

In this short article, we learn more about the Australian cruise market and your cruise options if you want to sail there. I have never been lucky enough to travel to Australia on a cruise – it is definitely on … Read more

Tags Australia, cruise tips
Dis-embarkation day t shirt Emerald Azzurra

Disembarkation Day – Everything You Need to Know – Hints and Tips For A Stress-Free Day

18/06/202514/09/2023

In this post we talk about Disembarkation Day. Not the most exciting subject – but important! Some people waste so much time and money on disembarkation day by not planning ahead – and there is really no need to! On … Read more

Tags cruise tips, money saving
emma cruises in bruges

Getting Off The Cruise Ship in Port – What To Expect, What To Take – And Other Useful Hints and Tips For A Successful Day Out!

18/06/202514/09/2023

In this post, we are going to learn about going ashore in the ports. Sometimes I get so excited about going on a cruise and everything happening on the ship, I forget to think about what happens when we get … Read more

Tags cruise tips, money saving, port
msc virtuosa mens on phone

Onboard Expenses – What Costs Extra On A Cruise? Gratuities, Wi-Fi And More…

28/01/202514/09/2023

In this post we talk about life onboard ship – and look at gratuities, Wi-Fi, and other onboard expenses you may end up paying for. The last thing you want when you disembark at the end of your cruise is … Read more

Tags cruise tips, money saving
Embarkation Day

What Happens On Embarkation Day – And You Can Avoid Additional Costs

18/06/202513/09/2023

In this article, we look at what happens on Embarkation Day – and how to avoid any additional costs. Embarkation day is very exciting – you are finally going on your cruise! We look at what happens and what you … Read more

Tags cruise tips, Embarkation Day
Packing with Hudson

Planning And Packing For Your Cruise – Things To Do In Advance!

18/02/202613/09/2023

Many people overpack when they go on a cruise, and end up bringing clean clothes back home with them. I prefer to pack light wherever I can. I have been known to take a two-week cruise with only a carry–on … Read more

Tags cruise tips, packing
emma cruises in olive grove restaurant on P&O's Iona

Cutting Onboard Expenses, BEFORE You Cruise. (Drinks, Speciality Meals, Excursions and More)

18/06/202513/09/2023

It is possible to cut your onboard expenses before you even set foot on the cruise ship! The last thing you want on disembarkation day is to be left with a massive bill. Disembarkation Day is depressing enough! I have … Read more

Tags cruise tips, money saving
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Hey hey hey, I'm Emma and I LOVE cruising! I took my first cruise when I was 11 and I've been hooked ever since. I create cruise content across YouTube, this website and my social accounts, all with the aim of helping you to find, and take your perfect cruise. 48,000 people receive my best cruise tips, insights and guides every week. You can join them for free by clicking here.

I co-founded The Cruise Globe, the cruise tracker app, where you can track, share and relive cruises like never before (for free!). 🌍🚢

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