Do you enjoy cruising? Are you planning your first cruise vacation? Tune in to the Cruise Travel 101 podcast for useful cruise tips and insider insights so you can get the most out of your cruise vacation. This is a travel podcast by Family Vacation 101.
Cruise extras can add up fast. After more than 25 cruises, I’ve learned which things I’m willing to spend money on and which ones I usually skip.
In this episode, I’m sharing 11 things I rarely or never pay extra for on a cruise, including drink packages, bottled water, specialty coffee, specialty dining, room service fees, spa treatments, cruise photos and more.
I’ll also share what I do instead and how I keep my final cruise bill under control.
Whether you’re cruising with Royal Caribbean, Carnival, MSC Cruises, Norwegian, Celebrity or Princess, these are some easy ways to think about your onboard spending before your next cruise.
Follow Cruise Travel 101 for more cruise tips, money-saving advice and cruise planning help.
13 Aug 2026
10 Biggest Ways People Waste Money on MSC Cruises
MSC Cruises can be a great value, but it’s easy to spend much more than expected once you start adding drink packages, Wi-Fi, shore excursions, specialty dining and other extras.
In this episode of Cruise Travel 101, I’m sharing some of the biggest ways people waste money on MSC Cruises and how to avoid them.
I’ll also share real examples from my own MSC cruises, including how my family saved hundreds on shore excursions and drink packages.
If you’re planning an MSC cruise, these tips can help you avoid unnecessary expenses and get more value from your vacation.
1 Aug 2026
MSC Cruises Europe vs. USA: 8 Differences You Need to Know
Is an MSC cruise in Europe different from an MSC cruise in the United States? Surprisingly, yes.
After taking five MSC cruises—three in the U.S. and two in Europe, including Mediterranean and Scandinavian sailings—I've noticed some important differences between the two.
In this episode, I'm sharing what it's really like to cruise MSC in Europe versus the U.S., including differences in the buffet, embarkation process, menus, onboard currency, shore excursions, and even special events for American passengers. I'll also share what stays the same—including two things MSC does particularly well no matter where you sail.
If you're thinking about booking an MSC cruise in Europe, these are the differences you'll want to know before you go.
30 Jul 2024
Episode 11: Worst Mistakes When Going on a Cruise with Kids
Welcome to another episode of Suburb's 101 Travel Podcast- Cruise Travel 101. In this episode, we'll discuss the worst mistakes you can make when going on a cruise with kids. Today's episode is written by Suburbs 101's editor-in-chief and an avid cruise enthusiast, Joselynn Chua, who has been on over 25 cruises!
Are you going on a cruise with kids? Traveling with kids is always challenging, whether you are going on a land vacation or going on a cruise with kids, it is no different. It will not be your easiest and most relaxing vacation. There are common mistakes that can ruin your cruise vacation. Here are the worst cruise mistakes you can make when going on a cruise with kids.
Link to article: https://suburbs101.com/mistakes-you-can-make-when-going-on-a-cruise-with-kids/ (https://suburbs101.com/mistakes-you-can-make-when-going-on-a-cruise-with-kids/)
23 Jul 2024
Episode 10: MSC Cruise Honest Review
Welcome to another episode of Suburb's 101 Travel Podcast- Cruise Travel 101. In this episode, I'll be giving an honest review of my experience sailing on an MSC Cruise for the First Time. Today's episode is written by Suburbs 101's editor-in-chief and an avid cruise enthusiast, Joselynn Chua, who has been on over 25 cruises!
When I booked my first MSC cruise, I'll admit that I had serious doubts. I had read so many negative reviews about MSC cruises, criticizing the subpar service, basic food options, overcrowding, and chaotic embarkation process. However, my experience on the MSC Meraviglia, departing from New York to the Bahamas, was surprisingly positive. I'm going to share all the details of my first MSC cruise. Having been on over 25 cruises, I'll be comparing my MSC experience with that of many mainstream cruise lines. Since I didn't book a stateroom in their exclusive Yacht Club, this review focuses on the regular non-Yacht Club cruise experience on MSC. It's important to note that this is an unsponsored review, and all opinions in this article are based on my personal experience.
Link to article: https://suburbs101.com/msc-cruise-review/ (https://suburbs101.com/msc-cruise-review/)
16 Jul 2024
Episode 9: Worse Off with Anytime Dining
Welcome to another episode of Suburb's 101 Travel Podcast- Cruise Travel 101. In this episode, we'll discuss why you are worse off with anytime dining on a cruise. Today's episode is written by Suburbs 101's editor-in-chief and an avid cruise enthusiast, Joselynn Chua, who has been on over 25 cruises! Many cruise lines advertise anytime dining as a great perk. But the truth is, you are worse off going on a cruise with anytime dining. Having been on over 25 cruises, whenever I have a choice, I will always choose assigned seating over anytime dining, here is why.
Link to the article: https://suburbs101.com/anytime-dining-on-cruise-ships/ (https://suburbs101.com/anytime-dining-on-cruise-ships/)
Cruise Travel 101 is a travel podcast by Suburbs 101.
10 Jul 2024
Episode 8: Pros & Cons Hurricane Season Cruising
Welcome to another episode of the Cruise Travel 101 podcast. In this episode, we'll discuss the pros and cons of going on a cruise during hurricane season. Today's episode is written by Suburbs 101's editor-in-chief and an avid cruise enthusiast, Joselynn Chua, who has been on over 25 cruises!
Are you considering going on a cruise but hesitating because it’s during hurricane season? Hurricane season is long, spanning five months from June 1 to November 30. Should you avoid cruising altogether during those five months? Is it even safe to go on a cruise during hurricane season? We discuss the pros and cons of going on a cruise during hurricane season.
Read the article: https://suburbs101.com/should-you-go-on-a-cruise-during-hurricane-season/ (https://suburbs101.com/should-you-go-on-a-cruise-during-hurricane-season/)
2 Jul 2024
Episode 7: Important Alaska Cruise Tips
Welcome to another episode of the Cruise Travel 101 podcast. In this episode, we'll discuss important things to know before going on an Alaska cruise. Today's episode is written by Suburbs 101's editor-in-chief and an avid cruise enthusiast, Joselynn Chua, who has been on over 25 cruises!
For many, Alaska is a once-in-a-lifetime bucket list cruise destination. You want to make sure you get everything right to fully enjoy and experience the beauty of Alaska. Here are the 7 most important things to know before going on an Alaska cruise.
Link to article: https://suburbs101.com/things-to-know-before-going-on-an-alaska-cruise/ (https://suburbs101.com/things-to-know-before-going-on-an-alaska-cruise/)
24 Jun 2024
Episode 6: Cruising During Hurricane Season
Welcome to another episode of the Cruise Travel 101 podcast. In this episode, we'll discuss why I still went on my cruise despite a Tropical storm warning. Today's episode is written by Suburbs 101's editor-in-chief and an avid cruise enthusiast, Joselynn Chua, who has been on over 25 cruises!
I'm heading off on a Caribbean cruise. But, the timing couldn't be worse since there is a tropical storm. It's one of the first storms this hurricane season. This news has naturally caused me a lot of worry, considering I easily get seasick. Initially, I was seriously contemplating canceling the cruise. I did buy the additional Cancel for Any Reason or CFAR travel insurance, which would allow me to cancel for any reason, including being too scared to sail due to a hurricane. Despite having CFAR I've decided to stick with my plans and not cancel the cruise. Here’s why.
Check out the article: https://suburbs101.com/cruise-tropical-storm-alberto-hurricane-season/ (https://suburbs101.com/cruise-tropical-storm-alberto-hurricane-season/)
12 Jun 2024
Episode 5: Rookie Mistakes that are Major Time Wasters on a Cruise
Welcome to another episode of the Cruise Travel 101 podcast. In this episode, we'll discuss rookie mistakes that are major time wasters on a cruise. Today's episode is written by Suburbs 101's editor-in-chief and an avid cruise enthusiast, Joselynn Chua, who has been on over 25 cruises!
If you're new to cruising, you might not know how to make the most of your time on board. To help you out, here are some tips on how to avoid wasting time during your cruise.
Here is the link to the article: Rookie Mistakes that are Major Times Wasters on a Cruise (https://suburbs101.com/rookie-mistakes-that-are-major-time-wasters-on-a-cruise/)
Cruise Travel 101 is a travel podcast by Suburbs 101. Other Suburbs 101 podcasts:
Home Buying and Home Selling Like a Pro Podcast
5 Jun 2024
Episode 4: Common Money Mistakes People Make on a Cruise
Welcome to another episode of the Cruise Travel 101 podcast. In this episode, we'll discuss common money mistakes people make on a cruise. Today's episode is written by Suburbs 101's editor-in-chief and an avid cruise enthusiast, Joselynn Chua, who has been on over 25 cruises! Planning to go on a cruise?
Here are some tips to avoid common money mistakes that many cruisers make. Don't waste your hard earned money! Find out how to cruise smartly. Here are common money mistakes people regret making on a cruise.
Link to the article: Common Money Mistakes People Make on a Cruise (https://suburbs101.com/money-mistakes-youll-regret-making-on-your-cruise/)
Cruise Travel 101 is a travel podcast by Suburbs 101. Other Suburbs 101 podcasts:
Home Buying and Home Selling Like a Pro Podcast
29 May 2024
Episode 3: Costly Mistakes That Can Leave You Stranded at a Cruise Port
Welcome to another episode of the Cruise Travel 101 podcast. In this episode, we'll discuss cruise mistakes that could leave you stranded at the cruise port. Today's episode is written by Suburbs 101's editor-in-chief and an avid cruise enthusiast, Joselynn Chua, who has been on over 25 cruises!
Getting left behind by your cruise ship is a nightmare scenario that nobody wants to experience. Avoid making costly mistakes that can cause you to miss the cruise ship.
Link to the article: Mistakes that Can Leave You Stranded at the Cruise Port (https://suburbs101.com/cruise-mistakes-that-will-make-you-miss-your-ship/)
Cruise Travel 101 is a travel podcast by Suburbs 101. Other Suburbs 101 podcasts:
Home Buying and Home Selling Like a Pro Podcast
22 May 2024
Episode 2: Foolish Mistakes Only First Time Cruisers Make on a Cruise
Welcome to another episode of the Cruise Travel 101 podcast. Today's episode is written by Suburbs 101's editor-in-chief and an avid cruise enthusiast, Joselynn Chua, who has been on over 25 cruises!
Are you planning to go on a cruise for the first time? Don't make foolish and embarrassing mistakes that can easily ruin your cruise vacation. In this podcast, we will discuss the common mistakes only first time cruisers make on a cruise.
Link to the article: Foolish Mistakes First Time Cruisers Make on a Cruise (https://suburbs101.com/foolish-mistakes-first-time-cruisers/)
Cruise Travel 101 is a travel podcast by Suburbs 101.
Other Suburbs 101 Podcasts:
Home Buying and Home Selling Like a Pro Podcast
14 May 2024
Episode 1: I'm Cheap, This is How I Save Money on a Cruise
Welcome to the very first episode of Cruise Travel 101, the travel podcast by Suburbs 101. I love going on cruises, but one thing that I hate about cruising is the final bill that I receive at the end of the cruise. It seems that no matter how careful I am with my spending, extra expenses always crop up along the way. Having been on over 25 cruises, I've learned a few tricks to help me save money and avoid any unpleasant surprises when it comes to my final bill. Here are the things that I always do when I cruise that save me money.
Here is the link to the article: I’m Cheap, Here are 9 Things I Always Do to Save Money on a Cruise (https://suburbs101.com/things-i-always-do-to-save-money-on-a-cruise/)
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