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Essential Cruise Tips

Cruise expert, YouTuber and author Gary Bembridge helps you discover, plan and enjoy unforgettable cruise vacations with his tips packed show.

Podcast · By Gary Bembridge · English · Official site

Indexed episodes, last 90 days
7
Latest publication
Sep 9, 2026
Audience
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Earliest in this view
Jul 15, 2026

Latest episodes

  1. Episode · Sep 9, 2026

    6 Things Cunard Brochures Aren't Telling You. And Why! (podcast #502) (opens the original)

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    Cunard is one of cruising's most famous names—but much of what people believe about it is outdated, exaggerated, or simply wrong.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/tip

  2. Episode · Aug 26, 2026

    I Found Out How Cruise Lines REALLY Pick Cabin Upgrade Winners (podcast #501) (opens the original)

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    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 un

  3. Episode · Aug 19, 2026

    7 Cruises You Should Avoid. No Matter How Tempting They Look! (podcast #500) (opens the original)

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    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

  4. Episode · Aug 12, 2026

    I Won't Do A Sailing Ship Cruise Again. But Here's Why You SHOULD! (Podcast #499) (opens the original)

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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 larges

  5. Episode · Jul 29, 2026

    I've Done Panama Canal 6 Times. Here's What NO-ONE Is Telling You! (Podcast #498) (opens the original)

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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 transi

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