
Advertise on podcast: Essential Cruise Tips
Rating
4.6from
This podcast has
505 episodes
Language
EnglishPublisher
Gary BembridgeExplicit
No
Date created
2013/12/19
Latest episode
2026/10/14
Average duration
16 min.
Release period
9 days
Description
Cruise expert, YouTuber and author Gary Bembridge helps you discover, plan and enjoy unforgettable cruise vacations with his tips packed show. For more visit http://www.youtube.com/tipsfortravellers and http://www.tipsfortravellers.com and look for his books including "The Cruise Traveler's Handbook" and "Essential Cruise Tips".
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Cruise Lines Can Kick You Off Your Cruise Even If You Did Nothing Wrong. Here's Why! (Podcast #506)
2026/10/14
Imagine being told you're being kicked off your cruise before you even set off for it, or even worse at check in at the port, even though you've done absolutely nothing wrong. Cruisers are being denied boarding, removed from ships, or being bumped from ruises for reasons that have nothing to do with them breaking the rules. In this video, I look at the real situations happening right now that have caught cruisers out recently, including some that have affected me personally, and explain what you need to know and do if it does happen. Some of these situations are completely outside your control. Others are problems you can dramatically reduce the risk of — if you know what to check before you travel. I also explain why relying on what a cruise line representative tells you about passports, visas and other entry requirements could prove to be an extremely expensive mistake.
Become a Tips For Travellers Patron: https://www.patreon.com/tipsfortravellers and get exclusive Patron-only content, downloads and livestreams Visit my Tips For Travellers YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/tipsfortravellers
Offers:
Get 10% any order of The Cruise Maps who you visit the site using this link: https://www.TheCruiseMaps.com/TFT Get up to 30% off collectible tokens of place you've visited using the link: https://www.TheWanderClub.com/TFT
You Might Enjoy: On Purpose with Jay Shetty
2026/10/14
Introducing COLLIN GOSSELIN: The Real Story Behind One of America’s Most-Watched Families from On Purpose with Jay Shetty.
Follow the show: On Purpose with Jay Shetty
Collin Gosselin opens up about what it was really like growing up in the spotlight of Jon & Kate Plus 8, sharing his personal account of life behind the camera. He recounts his experiences with family isolation, allegations of physical abuse, time spent in a basement room, and his twenty-month stay in an institution he says he never needed to be in. Collin also details how a smuggled note led to a reunion with his father, how he is working to rebuild his life today, and why he is finally choosing to speak publicly about his past.
With Love and Gratitude,
Jay Shetty
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JAY'S DAILY WISDOM DELIVERED STRAIGHT TO YOUR INBOX
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Check out our Apple subscription to unlock bonus content of On Purpose! https://lnk.to/JayShettyPodcast
What We Discuss:
00:00 Welcome To On Purpose And Disclaimer
01:43 Inside the Gosselin Household
03:50 Faking Reality On Camera
05:15 The Normalization Of Constant Filming
06:35 The Turning Point
09:06 Modern Child Exploitation
12:35 Pushing Back And Early On-Camera Resistance
17:02 Earliest Memories Of In-Home Abuse
20:37 Targeted Isolation And Homeschooling
25:21 Child Protective System Flaws
35:11 Advocacy In The Face Of Public Backlash
36:55 The Attempted Runaway
44:03 Institutionalization At Age 11
48:16 Twenty Months In Inpatient Confinement
53:53 The Official Admission Records
59:12 The Harsh Reality of Living in Isolation
01:04:45 The Smuggled Letter And Custody Battle
01:08:37 Reconnecting And Healing
01:11:26 Repairing The Father-Son Relationship
01:14:00 Turning Pain into Purpose
01:17:14 False Diagnoses & His Dream of Joining The Marines
01:24:41 Legal Defamation Threats
01:26:16 Where Does He Stand With His Siblings?
01:30:20 Who is Collin Today?
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DISCLAIMER: Please note, this is an independent podcast episode not affiliated with, endorsed by, or produced in conjunction with the host podcast feed or any of its media entities. The views and opinions expressed in this episode are solely those of the creators and guests. For any concerns, please reach out to [email protected].
Celebrity Cruises Is Changing And Not Everyone Will Like It. Here's Why (Podcast #505)
2026/10/07
Celebrity Cruises has changed — and depending on the kind of cruiser you are, you may think those changes are exciting or feel the Celebrity you once knew is disappearing. In this video, I look at how Celebrity Cruises has evolved from the more traditional premium cruise experience I first knew into something rather different. I explore who Celebrity appears to be trying to attract today, how the newer Edge Class ships have helped reshape the brand, and why cruising on different Celebrity ships can now feel surprisingly different. I also look at the growing differences between the experience offered to standard cabin passengers, AquaClass guests and those staying in The Retreat, and how Celebrity is becoming increasingly class-driven. Along the way, I discuss changes I've noticed in food, service, crowds, families, entertainment and the overall atmosphere on board — including what I experienced on my recent Celebrity cruises.
Become a Tips For Travellers Patron: https://www.patreon.com/tipsfortravellers and get exclusive Patron-only content, downloads and livestreams Visit my Tips For Travellers YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/tipsfortravellers
Offers:
Get 10% any order of The Cruise Maps who you visit the site using this link: https://www.TheCruiseMaps.com/TFT • • Get up to 30% off collectible tokens of place you've visited using the link: https://www.TheWanderClub.com/TFT
Celebrity Cruise Mistakes No-One Realises They're Making (Until It's Too Late!) (Podcast #504)
2026/09/23
Celebrity Cruises promises "modern luxury" and says "nothing comes close", but I see cruisers boarding Celebrity with expectations that can lead to disappointment. Having recently sailed Celebrity again, I've identified six mistakes cruisers make when choosing, booking and sailing with Celebrity Cruises — including some that even experienced Celebrity guests can get caught out by. In this video, I look at why understanding exactly what kind of cruise line Celebrity really is matters, how dramatically your onboard experience can change depending on the cabin and ship you choose, and why some of Celebrity's packages and terminology may not mean quite what cruisers assume they do. I also explore the very different experiences offered across Celebrity's ship classes, an increasingly important change in who Celebrity is trying to attract, and a surprisingly overlooked way that regular Celebrity cruisers could be missing out on valuable perks. Celebrity can deliver a very good cruise, but I believe getting the best from it depends on knowing what you're actually booking — and avoiding these six common mistakes.
Become a Tips For Travellers Patron: https://www.patreon.com/tipsfortravellers and get exclusive Patron-only content, downloads and livestreams Visit my Tips For Travellers YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/tipsfortravellers
Offers:
Get 10% any order of The Cruise Maps who you visit the site using this link: https://www.TheCruiseMaps.com/TFT Get up to 30% off collectible tokens of place you've visited using the link: https://www.TheWanderClub.com/TFT
The Truth About a Queen Mary 2 Crossing: What They Don't Tell You (Podcast #503)
2026/09/16
A Queen Mary 2 Transatlantic Crossing is unlike almost any other voyage — and many first-time passengers arrive with completely the wrong expectations. After crossing the Atlantic on Queen Mary 2 six times, I reveal the surprises, misunderstandings and easily avoided mistakes that can dramatically affect your experience. From choosing the wrong cabin and underestimating the North Atlantic to unexpected costs, daily life onboard and what really happens when you reach New York, this is what I wish every first-timer knew before boarding.
Become a Tips For Travellers Patron: https://www.patreon.com/tipsfortravellers and get exclusive Patron-only content, downloads and livestreams Visit my Tips For Travellers YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/tipsfortravellers
Offers:
Get 10% any order of The Cruise Maps who you visit the site using this link: https://www.TheCruiseMaps.com/TFT • • Get up to 30% off collectible tokens of place you've visited using the link: https://www.TheWanderClub.com/TFT
6 Things Cunard Brochures Aren't Telling You. And Why! (podcast #502)
2026/09/09
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.
Become a Tips For Travellers Patron: https://www.patreon.com/tipsfortravellers and get exclusive Patron-only content, downloads and livestreams Visit my Tips For Travellers YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/tipsfortravellers
Offers:
Get 10% any order of The Cruise Maps who you visit the site using this link: https://www.TheCruiseMaps.com/TFT Get up to 30% off collectible tokens of place you've visited using the link: https://www.TheWanderClub.com/TFT
I Found Out How Cruise Lines REALLY Pick Cabin Upgrade Winners (podcast #501)
2026/08/26
If you've ever been invited to bid for a cruise cabin upgrade, you probably assumed (like me) that the highest bid wins. But, that's not how it works at all. After losing an upgrade to another passenger who had bid less than I did, I decided to investigate what was really going on behind cruise line upgrade bidding. What I found completely changed how I approach the process. In this video, I reveal what I discovered. Starting with something staring me in the face but had not spotted that that unites every cruise line when it comes to cruise cabin upgrade bidding. This video will help you understand how the system REALLY works—and will improve your chances when bidding for an upgrade (probably for less money than you planned to spend too).
Become a Tips For Travellers Patron: https://www.patreon.com/tipsfortravellers and get exclusive Patron-only content, downloads and livestreams Visit my Tips For Travellers YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/tipsfortravellers
Offers:
Get 10% any order of The Cruise Maps who you visit the site using this link: https://www.TheCruiseMaps.com/TFT Get up to 30% off collectible tokens of place you've visited using the link: https://www.TheWanderClub.com/TFT
7 Cruises You Should Avoid. No Matter How Tempting They Look! (podcast #500)
2026/08/19
Some cruises look perfect on paper. The ship, the itinerary, the price, the promise. But after more than 130 cruises, I've learned there are some cruises I would never book again — or would only book under very specific conditions. In this video, I reveal the seven types of cruises I now avoid, and why. All but one of these I've tried myself and found they simply did not suit the way I like to cruise. The other comes with risks, traps, or compromises that many passengers do not realise until it is too late. But this is not just about saying "never book these." For each one, I also explain who they might still be right for, what to watch out for before booking, and what I would choose instead. Whether you are booking your first cruise or your fiftieth, these are the cruises I think you should think very carefully about before handing over your money.
Become a Tips For Travellers Patron: https://www.patreon.com/tipsfortravellers and get exclusive Patron-only content, downloads and livestreams Visit my Tips For Travellers YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/tipsfortravellers
Offers:
Get 10% any order of The Cruise Maps who you visit the site using this link: https://www.TheCruiseMaps.com/TFT Get up to 30% off collectible tokens of place you've visited using the link: https://www.TheWanderClub.com/TFT
I Won't Do A Sailing Ship Cruise Again. But Here's Why You SHOULD! (Podcast #499)
2026/08/12
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.
Become a Tips For Travellers Patron: https://www.patreon.com/tipsfortravellers and get exclusive Patron-only content, downloads and livestreams Visit my Tips For Travellers YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/tipsfortravellers
Offers:
Get 10% any order of The Cruise Maps who you visit the site using this link: https://www.TheCruiseMaps.com/TFT Get up to 30% off collectible tokens of place you've visited using the link: https://www.TheWanderClub.com/TFT
I've Done Panama Canal 6 Times. Here's What NO-ONE Is Telling You! (Podcast #498)
2026/07/29
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.
Become a Tips For Travellers Patron: https://www.patreon.com/tipsfortravellers and get exclusive Patron-only content, downloads and livestreams Visit my Tips For Travellers YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/tipsfortravellers
Offers:
Get 10% any order of The Cruise Maps who you visit the site using this link: https://www.TheCruiseMaps.com/TFT Get up to 30% off collectible tokens of place you've visited using the link: https://www.TheWanderClub.com/TFT
I Was Completely Wrong About Sailing Ship Cruises. Here's Why. (Podcast #497)
2026/07/22
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
Become a Tips For Travellers Patron: https://www.patreon.com/tipsfortravellers and get exclusive Patron-only content, downloads and livestreams Visit my Tips For Travellers YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/tipsfortravellers
Offers:
Get 10% any order of The Cruise Maps who you visit the site using this link: https://www.TheCruiseMaps.com/TFT Get up to 30% off collectible tokens of place you've visited using the link: https://www.TheWanderClub.com/TFT
Epic Highs & Unwelcome Lows I Had Cruising South America! (Podcast #496)
2026/07/15
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.
Become a Tips For Travellers Patron: https://www.patreon.com/tipsfortravellers and get exclusive Patron-only content, downloads and livestreams Visit my Tips For Travellers YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/tipsfortravellers
Offers:
Get 10% any order of The Cruise Maps who you visit the site using this link: https://www.TheCruiseMaps.com/TFT Get up to 30% off collectible tokens of place you've visited using the link: https://www.TheWanderClub.com/TFT
7 Traps I See People Cruising South America Fall Into! (Podcast #495)
2026/07/01
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
Become a Tips For Travellers Patron: https://www.patreon.com/tipsfortravellers and get exclusive Patron-only content, downloads and livestreams Visit my Tips For Travellers YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/tipsfortravellers
Offers:
Get 10% any order of The Cruise Maps who you visit the site using this link: https://www.TheCruiseMaps.com/TFT Get up to 30% off collectible tokens of place you've visited using the link: https://www.TheWanderClub.com/TFT
I've Done 11 Holland America Cruises. Here's What No-One Else Warns About (Podcast #494)
2026/06/24
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?
Xxx
Become a Tips For Travellers Patron: https://www.patreon.com/tipsfortravellers and get exclusive Patron-only content, downloads and livestreams Visit my Tips For Travellers YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/tipsfortravellers
Offers:
Get 10% any order of The Cruise Maps who you visit the site using this link: https://www.TheCruiseMaps.com/TFT Get up to 30% off collectible tokens of place you've visited using the link: https://www.TheWanderClub.com/TFT
I Took A $1,200 Luxury Train To Machu Picchu. Was It Worth it? (Podcast #493)
2026/06/17
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.
Become a Tips For Travellers Patron: https://www.patreon.com/tipsfortravellers and get exclusive Patron-only content, downloads and livestreams Visit my Tips For Travellers YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/tipsfortravellers
Offers:
Get 10% any order of The Cruise Maps who you visit the site using this link: https://www.TheCruiseMaps.com/TFT Get up to 30% off collectible tokens of place you've visited using the link: https://www.TheWanderClub.com/TFT
Podcast reviews
Read Essential Cruise Tips podcast reviews
Sarita7981 2023/06/21
Amazing
I’ve learned so much in a few episodes. Thank you so much.
Jenntress 2023/06/20
Love this guy!
I've been following Tips For Travellers and a couple of other cruise vloggers on YouTube for a while and I just found out that Gary has a podcast chan...
echo###### 2022/09/30
Audio needs improvement
Talks too fast and runs words together and breaths into mic.
traditionalgirl 2022/07/14
Great Podcasts!
Concise, helpful info. without injecting liberal political views like Rick Steves does.
beenee2 2022/06/11
My Favorite Travel Podcast
I really appreciate the style of this show. The episodes are short and to the point. We have mainly cruised on 200 passenger ships in the past but are...
SohoDragonGirl 2021/11/07
A league of its own
I am getting ready to go on my first cruise and have listened and subscribed to many cruise podcasts. What makes this podcast stand apart is that Gary...
HeidiSparks 2021/02/05
Eh, so-so
The 60 second episodes from the beginning aren’t very informative, more common sense. The more recent episodes do have more information, and I appreci...
Gigi Maheux 2020/03/01
Excellent Information
Great resource. Easy to listen to. Thanks for the excellent information.
C-Dubs 2016/05/23
Meh is the word
Meh is the word that comes to mind. It's really just a 60 second 'duh' tip inbetween a bunch of self promotion about the author. Also, he doesn't seem...
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