Cruise worker reveals key mistake passengers make that could make your life 'so much easier'
Alley Kerr, from California, U.S., has worked as an entertainer on cruises for several years, including the likes of Royal Caribbean International.
She has since transitioned to travel content creating after moving to Japan, where she captures her adventures as a passenger on solo cruises, along with sharing insider tips in videos uploaded to her YouTube channel, @wanderlustalley.
In a recent clip, she warned passengers of the hidden traps laying in wait that could hinder their whole experience.
According to the seasoned cruise worker, embarkation day, also known as boarding day, can feel chaotic as long lines of guests queue to get on board.
Some passengers worry about securing popular activities, restaurants and add-ons - which often leads to panic buying and everything becoming sold out.
As reported by Ladbible, Alley said: 'On embarkation day, it is absolutely insane. If you can avoid waiting for embarkation day and get it done in advance, your life is going to be so much easier.'
She noted that she often witnessed first time cruisers' disappointment after they realised there were no experiences left to book.
Alley added: 'People who have never cruised before often get on the ship and then suddenly at the end of the day, they're like, "Oh, everything's sold out." There's limited availability for a lot of things.'
Luckily, cruise passengers can often find cheaper and more varied shore excursions by booking independently through local tour operators at each destination, rather than relying solely on the cruise line's excursions.
Independent excursions can also provide a more authentic and immersive experience with local tour operators and businesses.
While cruise line excursions offer convenience and peace of mind - especially for first-time cruisers - they often come at a premium price, leaving passengers out of pocket not long after leaving the dock.
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The Sun
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One of those is Bar La Lluna - a tiny, family-run gem tucked behind some cobbled backstreets. 7 7 7 With a gorgeous terrace that spills out onto the street, you'll find lovely homemade food, from creamy artichokes to crispy patatas bravas, with a vibe that's chilled but full of charm. What's more, a table of tapas for two and a few glasses of wine each cost just €30 (£26). Then there's Restaurante Portal, which does tapas with a twist. It's got a trendy, modern interior and a menu that's more creative than your usual. I went for the soft-shell crab brioche, and a tortilla de bacalao (cod) - both of which were unreal. The entire meal, consisting of three tapas plates to share and two main dishes, with drinks, costing just over €50 (£45) for two. Wash it down with a cocktail and you're set for the night. You can grab an Aperol Spritz here for just €6.80 (£5.90). After dinner, you can wander through the town and grab dessert from one of the many gelato shops in the square. A cone piled high with different flavours will only set you back a few euros. Try the turrón flavour for something more local. Just wanting drinks? Canela en Rama is worth a visit. This slick cocktail bar right by the castle with sea views has a real grown-up feel. The cocktails are expertly made here, with lots of attention to detail. They start at around €12 (£10.50), which is pretty good for such an upmarket place. I had one of the best cocktails of my trip here, and the staff made me feel like a regular. You can also get a glass of cava for €4 (£3.50) if cocktails aren't your bag. Generally, evenings in Tossa are mellow - think ice-cold cava, candlelit tables, and the sound of conversation in Spanish or Catalan - not karaoke, kebab stalls or people stilling out of clubs. Of course, if you really want the cheap beers, head to the local Bar Josep, running since 1966, where you can find pints for under €4. Bar Savoy is just as cheap with tapas from €1.50 and similarly priced pints. 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Double rooms start from around €113 (£99) per night. It's right in the heart of town, super comfy, and ideal for anyone who likes something a bit less cookie-cutter. Both hotels are within walking distance of the beach, castle and bars - so whether you're into spa days or historic vibes, you're sorted. How to get there Getting to Tossa is fuss-free, and you won't need a car. If you want to fly there directly from the UK, you can get there in just half an hour after landing at Girona airport. Or, if you're heading there from Barcelona, you can hop on a bus from the city's coach station, Estació del Nord, in roughly one hour and it only costs €12 (£10.20). It might be more expensive, but if you opt to hire a car, it'll be even easier to explore Tossa's neighbouring towns and resorts, like Platja de Canyelles, or even pop inland to explore the medieval town of Girona. Flights to Barcelona or Girona from most major UK airports can be picked up from as little as £45 return. Everything you need to know about visiting Spain Brits must have at least three months left on their passport from the day they plan to leave the country. Tourists do not need a visa if visiting for up to 90 days in an 180-day period. Make sure your passport is stamped on entry and exit. Travellers may be asked to show hotel booking confirmations and that they have enough money for their stay at the border. Spain is one hour ahead of the UK. The country uses the euro with around €10 working out to £8.55. Flights to Spain from the UK take between 2-4 hours depending on the destination.
