These 9 Simple Tricks Will Keep Your Cruise STRESS FREE 

Hey guys! What do you think of my new RU-vid background?! Ps, don't forget to leave a comment, even if it's just about potatoes ;)

After I vastly overpacked on my first cruise, I make a list of exactly what I am going to wear every day and evening, together with shoes and bags and then only pack that plus swimwear and nightwear. Always take seasickness remedies just in case. And be careful not to do what my husband did on the last night of one cruise when he accidentally packed the trousers and shirt he was going to wear for disembarkation and I had to find the luggage room at 1.00 am and try and locate his suitcase. Luckily it was a small ship.

Staying on board while in port is fantastic!

I’m a truck driver and I would say how sensible to take a supply of basic medicine, I’ve driven all over Europe with my supply of medicine, I was once with a driver who had an abscess in a tooth/ gum, he was so glad I had my basic supply of medicine!!!! Really good tip Emma

As far travel hacks go, I always try to book cruise ships that have a self service laundry room and Ill pack two or three "tide pods" This way I can wash my clothes while on board and dont have to travel home with dirty laundry. This helps with over packing also. FYI*** Royal Caribbean ships do not have laundry rooms. Carnival and Princess ships have laundry rooms on every other floor..

Love the wooden world map ! Lots of great tips which I love , as much as I’d like to go crazy with my money , saving on initial spending could be the difference between going on a cruise at all . A Primark girl , a woman after my own heart . So another reason why I continue to watch you for years now Emma 😜❤️ x

1. I LOVE the background! 2. THANK YOU for giving us something other than more cancelations. Don't get me wrong, we need and appreciate those videos and all the information on cruise cancelations! But this particular one gives me hope, or at least makes things seem a little more normal! 😊

Great list! One of our favorite travel accessories is the pop up laundry hamper.

Get to know people on the cruise - you will hear some amazing stories !!The morning we went around the south end of South America - it was VERY EARLY (5:00 AM) A couple from UK shared breakfast with us ( a couple of retired OKLAHOMANS !!) They have cruised for decades - this was our 3rd. We had a wonderful time with them & hearing their stories !!!

I do enjoy your language lesson. "Britishism"

I like your background, it’s very suitable. If you want you can put small different colored markings (pins) for each cruise, favorite cruise ship or cruise organizer.

I will reiterate! Pack lots of medicine and the Britishism comes into play. On a Princess Cruise, tried to get some Preparation H and they had no idea what I was talking about!

yeah, I made that same mistake with the phone. I was so hot on it too, it just took a momentary lapse, we weren't even that far from shore and it cost me £29 to receive a couple of texts from my mother, asking if we were having a nice time. Once back on land, I replied "We were having a grand old time until you text" haha, unfair I know but....

Here in the United State I hear this from people all the time. "We will travel when we retire." And I always tell them that they won't because they have not made it a priority in their life before they retired. "Life is a banquet and most poor suckers are starving to death", (from the movie "Auntie Mame")

I love Captain Hudson.

It’s about time that WiFi was free on all cruises.

Good tips thanks Emma even for this experienced cruiser. I am sharing this with some newby cruisers.

She is so cute. Broken zip! What a great tip, about not bringing things you don't wear at home. There is a reason.

Thanks Emma brilliant advice as per normal love the map,two things i take are a highlighter pen and magnetic clips for paperwork again thanks

If you’re going to other countries, particularly if you’re going to be flying to or out of another country, check and make sure your medications are ok to bring into that country. Some countries have banned certain prescription and over-the-counter (ones you can get at a pharmacy, no prescription required) medications. For example, in some South American and Asian countries, at least two common American allergy medications are banned. So if you’re caught with them in your suitcase when going through airport security or if you’re stopped by police on the street in a port and you have it in your handbag, you can be fined or even jailed. Also, if you have certain prescription medications like sleeping pills or opioid pain pills, it’s best to keep those in their original prescription bottle, not in a pill keeper (I always take the number of medications I’m going to need for the length of time I’ll be gone with a few extra and leave the rest at home in a labeled ziplock bag, that way you don’t have to worry if you accidentally lose them or if they’re stolen. And keeping those sleeping pills or opioids in their own labeled bottle will prove to security or whomever that those are your medications, not some drugs you’ve bought off the streets or something, if the situation ever arises-I have been questioned by airport security about medications before)

Love the new background. Love the dirty clothes idea too; we've always done that. And we also bring some dryer sheets to throw in the bag with the dirty clothes. It helps control any odors from overwhelming the cabin by day 4 of a 10-night cruise.

I loved it when Emma said, "Spend your money on experiences, not on clothes (stuff)". I like to tell people that no one. on their death bed ever said, "I wish I would have put in those granite countertops in the kitchen". I am not Islamic, but I love that the prophet Mohammad was credited with saying, " Do not tell me what you have, tell me where you have traveled". He was a very wise man.

13:35 I enjoyed seeing Captain Hudson, but especially how you pointed him out with the graphic. Very subtle. Cute.

Emma thanks for the video. Now the comments, starting with the requested comments: 1. Potatoes ;-) 2. I like the background. Goes along with the world traveler idea. 3. Laundry: Decide before the cruise how you're going to handle your laundry. For a 7 day or shorter cruise bagging it all up in a separate bag as you suggest works just fine. For a longer cruise or for a cruise in the middle of other travel that will not work as well. So now you have to decide how to turn all those stinky clothes into fresh clothes. Nearly all cruise ships, and as far as I know all large ships have a coin operated laundry or the like for guests. Using it will often cost something. And doing laundry takes as much time on a cruise ship as it does at home. These self serve laundries can also become crowded on a sea day after several port visit days. The alternative is the use the ship's commercial style laundry. except for the very high end ships, think six star, those laundry's cost extra, often more than their shoreside counterparts. We have used ship's laundry on several lines. They all do a nice job. So you have a choice, give up a good part of a vacation day to sitting in a self serve laundry and paying some for the service. Or, paying more for the ship's laundry service. We always choose ship's laundry now, as we're not on vacation to do laundry. David

As someone in the US, we call them pain killers too.

Great tips Emma! I absolutely agree about packing a variety of over the counter meds. Forgot muscle relaxants once; hubby pulled a back muscle and could not buy in port as they were a prescription in that country. Hubby found alternative - spent day in hot tub😁 Luv your world map!

The world on the wall matches your eyes 💕

Your thoughts on medicines is well founded and for all the right reasons. Medicines on board are ridiculously expensive and often not what you are needing. This is a good pre-plan event! BTW, Paracetamol (in the U.S.) is also known as Acetaminophen (Tylenol). It's a fair-at-best pain killer (it's much better at simple fever control) and the better alternative is Excedrin which is a combination of Tylenol, Aspirin and Caffeine--great for any aches and pains you may experience from moderate muscle pain to those nasty migraines. That is the brand name and comes in many different generic names at most pharmacies. If you tolerate all 3 of those medications (yes, caffeine IS a medication in this sense), keep it on hand!

😄 I was also surprised about how few pizza restaurants there were when I was in Italy. I was only there a week. Prato, Florence.

Hi Emma. As an American who has only cruised on American lines, but would like to try the British lines, I would like to know some of the differences between the two. Maybe you could do a video on that.

same in australia :) a pain killer is anything from a paracetemol tablet to a morphine injection,

You are my absolute favorite cruise utuber!

Photo of luggage tag and passport ...brilliant. Love the background

When we go on vacation we wash everything we took. Even if you keep your clothes seperate, when you pack the dirty clothes in the same suitcase for the trip home the "clean" clothes can get a musty smell.

Pre-plan and pre-pay makes the trip go by sooooo easily and makes a lot of difference. Breakfast herbed potatoes shredded or cubed!

Thats what i do when i forced to go cruise with family. check in do nothing check out. Btw small tip bring rubber band and use it with you packed/dirty clothes it's will reduces the footprint so it 's can fit smaller bag.

Great video! I don't usually pre-pay gratuities. There's no discount to pay them early. You'll never know if there's itinerary changes or if you win money. I'd rather keep my money! 😉

Hi Emma! Great info as always. If I may, I would like to add a few things that I have seen people do when cruising that they shouldn't. Many people are told they can get medicines at ports-of-call so they won't bring even the most basic meds like "pain killers" planning to do this while at ports because they were told it was cheaper in other ports. PLEASE don't do this. I have heard too many stories of outdated and diluted medicines sold at some ports. Once you are back at sea, who will you complain to? Many cell companies offer temporary, International plans to use on a cruise and it is very inexpensive to add temporarily to your plan. Once you get home, call your cell provider and cancel the plan. Also, the crew know where to go at each port to get free Wi-Fi so if you don't have a plan like I mentioned earlier and don't want to pay roaming fees in port, just ask or follow a crew member at the port. I can almost guarantee they are going to their Wi-Fi spot to call home.

we call it dirty washing here too :)

Camera kept jumping into zoom alot, I mean the frame would suddenly go close up, than pan out a tad continuously, made it look a little jumpy. Maybe some auto mode or something? Background is cool by the way !👍

If you grow potatoes, grow several verities. Remember the great potato famon👍 Excellent background Ms. Emma.

Hi Emma, informative as always. Moved our July 2021 cruise to November 2021 to get the biggest stressful item out of the way of if cruising will start again in the summer. Hi from Bob and Jill in Connecticut hoping Chelsea turn it around. Go Blues

Great suggetion !!

Better to use a cotton bag for dirty washing. I use a pillow case.

In a few days I’m doing a cruise and I’m taking two COVID tests before heading out! Thanks for the refresher course!

Used to take a photocopy of my passport in the days when I cruised- which I don't expect to do for a very long time.

Every “ like” and comments improve Emma’s channels algorithm.

Emma. loving that you have the whole world in your world. cheers to you and the Capt(Hudson)

There should be an option to rename aeroplane mode to boat mode.

Emma. I love the port sea day always. :) and I don't have to wait in line for my potatoes at the buffet.

Pack a ace bandage in case you sprain a ankle or something . It’s cheaper than a dr on board.

Okay I am watching this a year later but a big Big tip I've found Is useful although I am still very guilty of overpacking. Is ships have launderettes and usually they are included or very cheap. Saves so much space on packing especially fly cruises. Just to do a quick wash and tumble dry of some things and then you are completely fine rest of the cruise.

Good call thinking ahead about dirty laundry. When you said it, I thought "bin bag" was another British-ism, but I looked it up and bin bag is universal. The term I'm more familiar with is "trash bag", but that is specifically American English. "Rubbish bag" is British English, but I've heard that a lot more than bin bag. Another dirty laundry thing we do is bring high-powered magnets and clotheslines, and dry our laundry in the cabin. But we are weird and don't like to use the dryer machine.

Nice arrow Emma!

Love the background! And Captain Hudson too!

Great tips Emma

In America a pain killer is basically something that's so strong a doctor has to prescribe it. Advil etc. is for a headache.

Thanks for always being so upbeat! Stay happy!

Emma Very good advice!! We love your videos, very informative. Saw Captain Hudson in the corner! Thanks from Canada. Jennifer and Duncan

Love your videos thanks Emma. Do you please have the website for Triangle parking thanks?

Painkillers for headaches is definitely something used in Canada as well. It's not just a Britishism.

Your map looks great ... ma be yarn lines to destinations from home port ... ..... another tip take a pic of the Princess Patter or the daily event sheets...easy reference ...

Good advice is always appreciated.

Hi, great tips and I do like your background. Especially, bringing a variety of medicine, (including sea sickness pills). I'm one to bring stuff like that, as I grew up a Girl Scout (Girl Guide in Britain) and try to be prepared for anything. My companion would probably be the on to appreciate that I had headache medicine and not only extra sunscreen, but also the pain relief spray in case of a sunburn. 💊🧴. I'm in the US, near Chicago, IL and I d o enjoy listening to your voice. It doesn't seem posh, just a Brit speaking. 😊

Awesome tips!! Especially the passport one!😁

Thank you. Your adviser is very helpful.

Even easier to take too much stuff when you're sailing from/to UK (or wherever) and don't have to think about airports!

Excellent cruise tips !

If your phone is off and you're not sure whether it's on airplane mode, you can take the SIM card out before switching it back on. Then your phone cannot connect to the ship's cellular connection. (this is assuming you can still use your phone without a SIM card - most modern phones should allow you to)

love the world map in background

Great tips and tricks delivered with great knowledge and charm. Thanks Emma.

MSC cruises do have your cabin number listed on them

Good tips as always all the best for when you do get to cruise again

Love the new background, maybe think about putiing a nice red pin in each place you have visited just for reference. I have been to 85 countries over the years and it's fun to go back and look at our photo albums to relive memories.

I can usually ask housekeeping for a bag, and that works well.

i always print an extra language tag and put it on my back pack that i am carrying anything i have not worn in 5 years goes out the door never see it no more : Bring 2 cameras and extra SD cards out of 20 cruises i seem to always have one of my cameras die and these are not cheap cameras

Sea sickness is awful , only time I’ve ever had it was on a Norfolk line ferry from Schavingen to Felixstowe

Thank you so much for that info. Highly appreciated.

For my first cruise I over packed . I took plenty of evening gowns, cocktail dresses and arctic wear (northern Norway, arctic circle cruise) but I didn’t pack anything appropriate for daytimes. Only one pair of jeans and boots. I had to buy some shoes and cords from the shops.

Great tips!

Love the background

Gosh what a helpful video!

Hi Emma I like the new background it's nice and bright.

Pain Killer: A tasty beverage with rum, pineapple and coconut. Best enjoyed on a cruise or island cruise port.

Very much approve of the new background.

11/10, I really like it

Background is great.

Great advice. 🤓🇦🇺🇬🇧

Great tips Emma of to a cruise in may thankyou

I love your map and would love to get one..I appreciate your blogs and info...

Hi Emma,Love the background

Hey emma love the new background

I love roast potatoes

Loved the tips except for asking to change dining times. When MSC first started in the US, we got a SUPER late dining time. We had a two year old with us and asked to be moved earlier to accommodate her and they said “🤷‍♀️ can’t help you 🤷‍♀️”. So sure, you can ask but I doubt it’ll do any good.

Travel back in time 2 years

Beautiful voice

Hi Emma, great advice! Can you please tell me where you got your World Map that is on your wall - thank you!

Hi Emma your tips are so helpful. It’s my first time cruising next yr February with MSC mediterranean route, can you tell me what sort of clothes to wear in those times be it onboard or out and about. Many thanks and all the best on your vlogs.

Love the background, where did you get that? As far as potatoes....loaded mashed potatoes or twice baked are my preference...

We use painkillers to… we use them daily lmao