For the next few months, we’re regularly showcasing some of our travel colleagues who have expertise in other areas of travel that you might find helpful. This month, we’re featuring CruiseTipsTV.com, founded by Sheri Griffiths.

Sheri is a leading cruise industry influencer, empowering families to create unforgettable vacation memories through her engaging content on CruiseTipsTV.com and YouTube.com/CruiseTipsTV.
Considering a cruise vacation? Here are 7 helpful hacks to help you cruise like a seasoned pro, along with some packing and planning freebies.
DON’T OVERPLAN
The overplanner in me doesn’t want to admit this, but I now firmly believe that overplanning can have a negative impact on your cruise. This may seem contradictory, BUT if you plan, prepare, and choreograph EVERY element of your cruise, nothing will be left to chance or spontaneity, and that can leave you feeling exhausted.
DITCH THOSE FANCY SHOES
A cruise is not the best place to try out those new fancy shoes. If you do, pack bandaids and ice packs. Fun fact, Royal Caribbean’s Symphony of the Seas is 1,184.42 ft long. A football field is 300 feet long. That means, to get from one end of the ship to the other, you’re walking across MORE than three football fields. Personally, I don’t like to suffer on my vacations, so I learned quickly to WEAR in my shoes before a cruise.
THERE ARE SECRET DEALS ONBOARD
There are some pretty sweet deals on cruise ships, if you can just WAIT for them. You see, port day spa specials, first night dining promos and shopping sales aren’t usually pre-advertised, so watch your cruise newsletter carefully for those bargains.
A GOOD TRAVEL AGENT MAKES ALL THE DIFFERENCE
Over the years, I’ve learned that a good travel agent is worth their weight in gold (time is money, right?). Here’s what I mean by TIME. Why sit on the phone for hours with the cruise line when you want to change your cabin, or monitor a price drop when your agent can do it for you. Here’s more reasons a travel agent is a good idea: it costs you nothing more to book with them. They are paid by the cruise line, and often have better deals than you the cruise line can offer directly, because their host travel agency has arrangements with many off the mass market cruise lines that allow them to secure perks, onboard credit, and other good things. Lastly, they can help you book other stuff. Like travel insurance. AND they know how to save you money on those extras. Chat with friends and family for a GOOD, recommended travel agent!
YOU CAN HANDLE YOUR OWN EXCURSIONS
Booking your own cruise excursions (not with the cruise line) can be a GREAT way to save money for new and seasoned cruisers alike, but there are some mistakes you don’t want to make. First, NEVER book a nonrefundable excursion. Lastly, always ensure the third party company offers a “return to ship” guarantee.
MAGNETIC WALLS, SAY WHAT?
Most cruise ships have metal walls. What does that mean? Well, it means they are magnetic. So you can take all kinds of fun little magnetic hooks and clips to keep your stateroom organized!
LESS IS MORE
Another thing I wish I knew before our first cruise is … packing light or carry-on only is SO liberating – especially when flying. While cruise companies DON’T limit the amount of baggage you take on the cruise, it’s nice to be nimble while traveling. It’s something that initially sounds daunting, but it can be done quite easily, and once you get the hang of it you’ll probably never go back.
Here are some resources to get you started with the packing and planning!
Toiletry Packing List
What to pack for a Europe or Mediterranean cruise:
Alaska cruise packing list and tips:
Here’s how to connect with Sheri and the CruiseTipsTV crew, for more cruise planning inspiration!
Social Media & Website
Website: https://cruisetipstv.com/
Instagram: https://instagram.com/cruisetipstv
YouTube: www.youtube.com/user/CruiseTipsTV
Facebook: www.facebook.com/cruisetipstv
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