My immune system impaired wife and i found cruising ideal for our vacations. It was I,possible to predict how she would feel tomorrow much less a few months out. So we took 8 cruises when I was working. They were perfect for our needs. We were all over Europe and in the Caribbean and transited via Panama camel 3 times. They fit certain niches so,we’ll.

i am watching and writing this from a World Cruise (which we initially booked back in 2020!). We got on in Auckland and, because we’re taking 3 back to backs when the world cruise ends, we won’t have to unpack until September 5 (though we will be changing cabins-the cabin stewards will move our hanging clothes). My husband is putting in his 3-miles of deck walking. And will pick up two lattes for us on his way back. We eat two meals a day and go to the gym every other day. And napping every day. We have learned that we have to treat cruising like we do full-time travel. It’s just a place to live-we can’t treat it like vacation or we’d gain a zillion pounds. We generally cruise between 50-60 days a year. And, if possible, we will cruise rather than fly whenever possible. We always seem to find a quiet place to read. I agree that the short time in ports is a challenge but we have now used it to create lists of places we want to stay for a month. That’s how we ended up with extended stays in Aruba, Bonaire, Sydney, Auckland, Barcelona and, coming up, Lima. We have also added to our list Gran Canaria and Madeira as options for month-long stays in future. We often pick up local papers and find local rental agencies when on day-trips. And figure out what neighborhoods would be ideal for a long-term stay. I’m very prone to seasickness (can’t even read in cars) so I stock up on scopolamine patches (prescription needed in US). There are several websites that are helpful for finding and learning about cruises. For searching: cruiseplum.com, for pricing once you’ve found a cruise: cruisecompete.com, and for a community of cruisers who share info about ANYTHING related to cruising (including roll calls to meet people in advance of the cruise): cruisecritic.com. Thanks again for doing these videos. I always learn something new or gain perspective about things I think I already know. BTW, we head to South America in December for longer stays in Lima, Montevideo, Cuenca, Ushuaia and Buenos Aires, most of which we visited when we took a cruise from LA to Rio de Janeiro back in 2015.

Don’t miss Uruguay as it’s beautiful. And so so safe.

My wife and I love repositioning cruises and take them often (we actually leave May 11th on a transatlantic to Amsterdam). Repositioning cruises are typically significantly less expensive than a regular cruise. We generally cruise Holland America which has smaller ships and fewer guests (1800-2400). We've done the bigger ships that have 6000+ guests and we just don't care for fighting all the crowds on the bigger ships. We always opt for the unlimited laundry package (about $145 for 14 days) and that allows us to pack in rollaboards for the extension of our trip once we end the cruise. We are actually watching your vids because we are heading to Tirana and Tbilisi after we land in Amsterdam, finishing up with 3 days in Dublin, Also, on all the HA ships they have Starlink installed and you can purchase a streaming package that will allow you to stream video and upload your vids as you go.

We live in Barcelona during the summer and have used transatlantic cruises to get there. Two weeks of comfort, touring and easing into the time change of a 9 hour difference is a plus for us.

We just finished a full PC cruise from Tampa to Seattle. We are FT traveling RVers and travel outside the RV a lot. We have two roundtrip transatlantic cruises booked in 2025 - ships are going in for dry dock in Spain and we will stay in Europe and then take the ships back to US. Lets us spend a month in Europe with bookend cruises - win win!

Brian and Carrie. Carry on doing what you do. You are providing entertainment and information. Smile and the whole world will smile with you. Just like you two !You two are inspirational !

Looking at cruises out of Florida leaving in Nov, 31 to 38 days..... Down the west coast of South America, stops in many countries. Also goes down to Antarctica. Many ending in Argentina.... Buenos Aires,.... Maybe we'll see you... Safe travels, Larry and Minnie. (Day one in Chaing Mai today)

Another great video. Thanks. I used to cruise a lot. Being like Carrie, I need my quiet time. I found a perfect location. Go to the nightclubs that are only used at night. They’re open during the day, but few people go there. They use it as a quiet place to read or play cards with friends. On your trip to South America, two points, there have been terrible fires near Valparaiso. Be sure to check out if where you’re going is still worth your time. Also Brian, the air near and past Cape Horn will be dry and very cold. Be sure your inhalers are fresh and handy. You might consider breathing through an N95 mask. That would warm the air you’re breathing. You may need to do so in Alaska too. I had no trouble in the summer when there, except when visiting the glaciers. Could not breathe out on the cruise ship deck. One big con you missed, air quality onboard cruise ships. I cruised a great deal 2016-2018. But caught something on several cruises. Waiting in lines, riding on crowded elevators, seeing shows were all problematic. You’re breathing in what everyone else is breathing out. Ships have NOT retrofitted their ventilation systems to sterilize the air since Covid. When speaking to a corporate representative of the cruise line I was using, she made the statement, “We cannot guarantee your safety”. That ended cruising for me. Pity. I loved it. -Elizabeth

Thanks for your insights. Always appreciate the unfiltered info. Just back from argentina. Patagonia won't cost you 5000. Rented a car for a month for 1400. Gas in February was about 3.50 a gallon. Air bnbs are 30 per night for nice ones. Steak in a restaurant 12. Steak in a store 5 per lb. Beer wasn't very cheap for either the micro brews or the generic beers. Micros sometimes 3 in the store but not terrible overall.Totally reasonable budget. Easy traveling. Very European feeling at a more affordable price.

Can you do a whole video on the formula you use when trying to plan travel while staying within your budget?

My sister was one of those running for the ship 🤦🏻‍♀️😂 Best…day…EVER!

Missed y’all in Rhodes. My 25 day transatlantic cruise ended today in Athens Greece. I will be staying here for 2 weeks and then slow traveling thru Europe for the next 6 months. Then head back to the US on a transatlantic cruise. I loved my cruise coming over with 19 ports of call.

I did a 14-day cruise around Cape Horn. Santiago-Buenos Aires. Amazing!!! Falkland Islands, Montevideo, Ushuaia & more.

We did the Alaska cruise from Vancouver a few years ago and then we travel in Alaska and visited Denali ( and even played golf at night) and say the Arealis Boral ....we did enjoyed that one , amazing, we did not use a balcony as we spent most or our time outside taking in the views ( we did bring good jacket and gloves) most people stay inside , but we really wanted to enjoy the views , the fresh air and we all most of the space to ourselves outside ..........We like outside balconies but not in cold weather , more fun to walk around on the decks and go in and out the ship. got most vaccines for the Tanzania and getting to re-learn to pack as we are allowed only 16 kg on this next trip...ouch ...

We spent 2 weeks spread across Medellin, Cartagena,and Bogota Colombia last November and loved it. We plan to go back to Medellin and Bogota for 30+ days again when we start more slow travel as we felt they were safe and loads of fun. Cartagena was fun but so HOT so not our kinda place for longer stays. We are going to Cali Columbia for 2 weeks in June this year and looking forward to it. I hope you all try Colombia and love it like we have.

Thank for your insights on cruising, and more. I looked at my budget, and will also give up my apartment, and put that money into traveling as in Mexico, one has to pay double deposit with hefty lawyer fees to renew the lease each year. Additionally, there can be potential issues with these properties or areas so one can end up paying rent while looking after the landlord’s property, while they continue to increase the rent each year! One is also at their mercy where many people do not receive back their deposit. I have also been looking at Argentina and cruises, but since I am a solo traveler, cruises can be quite a bit more expensive, but some companies are making more allowances, for solo travelers. I did see a transatlantic cruise leaving from Rio de Janeiro to the Canary Islands to get to Europe, and that wasn’t too badly priced. I’m still doing the research but it’s amazing how some people live on cruise ships, and believe it’s a much cheaper alternative to renting-I wonder if I’m missing something, here!

We are actually doing 2 transatlantic cruises this fall, with 18 days in between in Portugal and Spain. We are doing this on a newer larger ship than before, so that's a bonus, at a good price. But we are doing this to get our status on the cruise line, to benefit us more when we get older.

You guys are, without doubt, the best travel related channel on YT. You've got even me now thinking about slow global travel instead of our typical 5-month summer RV travels around the northern USA. Getting excited at the possibilities you've uncovered for me!!!

Another really interesting podcast Brian and Carrie. I am trying to understand how to tell you the appeal of your utube and podcasts… as I am likely your parents age and my husband and I have been blessed with travel opportunities throughout our 55 year marriage. For work and for play. You are both very entertaining… earnest in your endeavor to share the magic of new places, .and it works! 👍 Sadly we are too old to do what you are doing (brave you are to forego “security” for “ adventure” while young enough to figure it out and DO it.) enjoy living vicariously! Love your spirit of adventure and the way you are sharing it with others. Kudos👍😎

It makes sense only if I can get a deal. I travel solo and target cruises only under $100/night and more towards $50/night and that's all in (port fees, taxes and gratuities). I just got off a 23 day cruise and lost 3 lbs. I eat so much better on a cruise and a lot more active.

Thanks for another great video!

Love cruising, ideal way to get a taster of somewhere and see if I want to go back. Also you can be as active or as chilled out as you like. Great discussion you had there.

Yay! I'm a cruise girl! A repositioning would work for you Fort Lauderdale to LA through the locks if you are interested. Otherwise, you are spot on with cruise that takes you round trip to Drake's, etc. back to FLL. Celebrity, Princess, or Holland I would suggest. 😉

AZORES is amazing and very cost effective! The month of November is great.

Panama Canal cruise is awesome

Thanks for your insights. Life is all about trade-offs at the end of the day😊

I agree, there are some places that you want to see but a day is more than enough, plus it’s transportation from A to B. It makes total sense 😊

This is great info and so useful for me since my husband and I were thinking of doing a trans-oceanic cruise - actually, a trans-pacific cruise from Japan to seattle as well. It’s such a grind to do the long flight and so would be great to sail back instead of fly. As for the flight cost, I plan to pay with miles I accumulated from all those years of business travel. Love your channel!

I really like the lighting in this episode. Kudos. Roger

Love your videos! I'm taking my mom to England via a repositioning cruise next yr. If time isn't a big factor, you may want to check flying from southeast Asia to somewhere like Panama for pennies on the dollar. Then catch an inexpensive flight up to SEA? There are some shockingly cheap tickets that way. Again, it is a bit more time, but you guys did a cruise, so maybe that's an option for you???

I agree that cruising is a great way to get a taste of many places. I am disbled which can up our travel costs. My husband retires in 1 month. We are taking a repo cruise to Europe. Then spend 2 1/2 months traveling. Moving locations weekly. The a repo cruise back in 2025. If you think about it during your travels a hint of how accessible a place is would be nice. Happy travels.

Pros: no cooking, no grocery shopping, no cleaning 😁

Azores: one summer we walked 4 of the 9 Islands. (Well, three as I fell down a volcano on one and took it easy for the next Island. Not a recommended activity. ) Each has its own beauty. Did you know the the Azores has the only Tea planation in Europe. We still get tea from them. They are a summer destination, July August, unless of course you like wind and rain.

Cute! Brian is funny. I met my hubby out of town as well. Just so happen we were both from the same town. lol😍

You should definitely visit Peru! Not just Lima, but other cities and towns. It’s relatively cheap to stay in a decent air b & b in the nice parts of Lima. The gastronomy is worldwide known. People are friendly. Machu Picchu is a wonder of the world. Rainbow mountain a must. Sacred Valley. Arequipa for Colca Canyon and volcano Misti. Amazon is amazing! 5 regions to conquer! It made National Geographic Travel Awards for the international Country of the year!

B n C........Looking forward to the Cruise and S American vlogs.

I'll pass this information on to others. I'm not really a big cruise person as I get seasick. But maybe I'll give it a try one day. However, back in the day, I have been on some overnight ships in Europe. I have some friends who love cruises and one has been to Tahiti twice and also to South Africa. The other friend has been taking the ship from the U.S. to Europe for decades and some months ago was on an almost 60-day cruise around South America. We had lunch last month and he was telling me what he did while on the cruise. And there are several friends as well as a sibling who have cruised to Alaska and many also who have been cruising both the Caribbean and Mexico for years. They like the idea of not having to deal with hotels. Greetings from Los Angeles

Cruising east to west is something I don't think you will like. You will lose an hour a day as time changes. East to west is much easier.

No 2. :) I've been looking at flights in November to Vietnam. Medford OR to Hanoi VN. Then Ho Chi Man to Medford OR. It's about $1200, round trip. IMHO, that's not bad.

Florianopolis, Brazil

Awesome vlog. Where do you guys look to find the repositioning cruise?

Curusing or taking a tour is kinda like taking a quick trip through the smorgasbord. Get a little taste and go back for what your really like.

My husband and I love watching all your videos - we are practically neighbours living in White Rock just across the border from Bellingham. We were wondering why you always pick a month to stay somewhere - have you considered staying two months? And have you stayed a month somewhere where you thought it was too long?

Carrie, I love your white watch. Would you share where can I get it?

I just found you guys and I saw your series on Portugal. Have you ever been to The Azores?

I am going to spend 2 months in Argentina after being 2 months in Praia de pipa, Brazil beginning August 2nd. I have already visited Buenos Aires. Therefore, this trip I’m flying into Mendoza. I’m also visiting the amazing geological wonders north and south of Salta. I plan on taking a bus from Mendoza to Santiago, Chile. Perhaps adding a cruise will make sense 🤔

Although Ecuador can be a bit sketchy presently, Cuenca is still a very safe place that attracts American and European expats because of its safe reputation and is a UNESCO world heritage site. Unfortunately, it is in the Andean mountains and not a port town. You would need to arrive in Guayaquil which is sketchy so it would be best to arrange private transportation from there to Cuenca. Wi fi is excellent there.

The overeating is a real concern for me as I force myself to eat because it’s “free”.

Great video and discussion. I have always thought of myself as a non-cruise guy while I am active and able to work through my own itinerary. I have been on a Disney Cruise before to Bahamas for a few days and it was really nice. But still I don't think that it is for me. Cruising when I am less mobile make a lot more sense, hopefully many years from now. The repositioning cruise makes some sense, but I am not a big fan of being on the ship's itinerary. That is a financial decision versus flying. I (like Brian) would be laughing and waving at those who couldn't tell time and get back for the ship's departure!! Cheers!

I would love to see an actual cost breakdown. I'm torn about taking a repositioning cruise as a normal cruise (leave and return to the same port, on board activities, all you can eat, etc.) does not appeal to my wife or I. I can see doing it if like you, I got into the zone: No drinking, work out each day, eat healthy, catch up on reading.

Cruises 🛳 like house sitting can be a great supplement to a slow traveler's 🐌 tool bag. Remember get a North facing room on any trans-oceanic cruise. 🌞🔥😵‍💫. If you upgrade to a balcony or window view. South facing gets way to hot.😊 Would it be too 🤔 Boujee to go up on a side deck and break out your portable Starlink to get your own internet access? 😊😳⚡️"BIG 🧠" Fits in a personal bag 🎒 🛄 😉🤣🍻

I will be interested in your visit to Sao Miguel in the Azores. I understand that it has excellent private specialty health care.

Let me know when you are going to Colombia, especially in a cruise. I was raised in Cartagena and you will to know a few things before you go there.

I'm under the impression that repositioning cruises are far more full (crowded) these days than they used to be.

We were in Ecuador this past October/November and felt very safe. We do follow several KZfaqrs that live there - Kris and Mike and Abundant Living Ecuador that post updates. From what they report things have really turned around and have become safer with the actions of the new President. Loved Ecuador.

i saw weeks ago where utuber getting on 'Free cruise' from Carnival, ended up paying out pocket $400 in Port Fees, so beware of the fees.

Wait! A month in Santorini?! A house sitting or an Airbnb? I need to know more

What did you for phone service? Esim in each port/country?

What does “repositioning cruise” mean?

anyone who removes the gratuity, should stay the hell home!

Most lines allow bringing a bottle or two of wine/ champagne each on embarkation , great for dinner, just pour a glass and bypass the cork fee.or they can easily become mimosas, sangrias, wine spritzers etc. - here’s my tip for the beer, as I too love beer and hats off, I could not go without it for so long in a cruise environment. Go to the casino bar, Find the head bartender- ask if they offer the bucket of beer (most do a buy 4 beers get the 5th free) ask him to leave them unopened so you can take them to the room fridge for your wife, Then every time you want more go back to the same bartender- Bring a bottle opener so you can have the sweet nectar on demand, Shawshank style. Cheers 🍻

Thank you for your time and posting. Interesting that KZfaq not wanting background music. I'm thinking about going on an Alaskan cruise, by myself. They are really cheap right now. Still planning my Vietnam trip for three months. IMO, for you folks, a cruise might be a nice change if the price is right. After living in Australia for 6 years, I never saw a poisonous spider or snake. I did see a vicious, homicidal, hostile... Koala, and a platypus. Both in the wild. :) UPDATE: I am so glad you said you didn't have a home base. I have always worried about that. Thank you again.

You need to add the discussion about the huge environmental impacts of cruise boats, they should be banned and people need to understand impacts. Sewage and garbage dumped in waters, massive amounts of people coming into communities and overwhelming it, cruise ships buy many of the shops where the port so they profit from what you buy, not local small shops. Google it. Travel is great but with climate change here it saddens me all these people flying all around the globe as a retirement plan when transportation is one of the worst polluters and flying one of the worst, this needs to be a discussion point.