You’re staring at a balcony cabin on a giant ship, wondering if the "unrestricted view" actually means you’ll be staring at a lifeboat for seven days. We’ve all been there. This is exactly where cruising with ben and david comes in. They aren't just guys with a camera and a gimbal; they’ve basically become the unofficial ombudsmen of the high seas. If a ship smells like old carpets or the "luxury" steakhouse serves a gray piece of gristle, they’re going to say it.
Honestly, the cruise industry used to be a wall of polished marketing brochures and stock photos of people laughing while holding umbrellas in their drinks. Then YouTube happened. Specifically, Ben and David happened. Based in Cambridge, UK, this married couple—Ben Southall and David James—turned a genuine obsession with maritime travel into a massive platform. They didn't start as "influencers." They started as passengers who were tired of the fluff.
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The Reality Check Behind Cruising With Ben and David
What makes their perspective stick is the lack of "shilling." Most people don't realize how much of travel media is subsidized. You see a glowing review, but you don't see the "press trip" disclaimer buried in the fine print. While they do take some sponsored trips now, their brand was built on paying their own way and being brutally honest when a cruise line dropped the ball.
Remember the Virgin Voyages launch? That was a turning point. There was so much hype around Richard Branson’s entry into the market. Everyone was saying it was the "future of cruising." Ben and David went on Scarlet Lady and gave a nuanced, sometimes critical look at whether the "no kids, no buffets" rule actually worked in practice. They look at things most people ignore. Like the placement of USB ports. Or the logic of the elevator programming.
It’s about the "vibe" as much as the deck plan.
Why the British Perspective Matters in Global Travel
The cruise market is heavily dominated by American tastes. Carnival, Royal Caribbean, NCL—they all cater to a specific type of high-energy, high-volume vacation. Ben and David bring a very specific British sensibility to the table. They appreciate the efficiency, sure, but they also have a lower tolerance for "forced fun."
If a ship is too loud or the "entertainment" feels like a high school talent show, they say it. They’ve covered everything from the ultra-luxury of Silversea and Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection to the massive, city-sized Icon of the Seas. It’s a spectrum. Seeing how they react to a $15,000 suite versus a $500 inside cabin gives viewers a realistic benchmark of value.
The Technical Side of Their Reviews
One thing people get wrong about cruising with ben and david is thinking it's just a vlog. It’s actually a highly technical production. They use high-end 4K cameras and drones (where legal) to get shots that look better than the cruise line's own commercials.
They focus on:
- Cabin ergonomics: Can two people actually move around without tripping?
- Food quality: Not just "it was good," but "is the salt content insane?"
- Flow: How long does it take to get off the ship in port?
- The "Nickel and Diming": This is the big one. They track the hidden costs that turn a "cheap" cruise into a financial headache.
They’ve also mastered the art of the "Ship Tour." These aren't just walks through the boat. They are structured deep dives. If you’re trying to decide between a Royal Caribbean Oasis-class ship and a Celebrity Edge-class ship, their side-by-side comparisons are probably the most functional tools on the internet.
Why People Trust Them Over Traditional Travel Agents
Traditional travel agents have a bias. They want the commission. While many are great, they aren't living on the ships 200 days a year. Ben and David are. They’ve seen the decline in service levels post-2020. They’ve seen the "cutbacks" in housekeeping and the disappearing daily paper planners.
There’s a level of transparency there that is rare. They once did a video about "The Worst Cruise Ever" on a budget line that would make most PR teams sweat. But because they also give glowing reviews when a ship deserves it—like their praise for the food on MSC Yacht Club or the service on Saga—the criticism carries weight. It’s earned.
The Community Element
It isn't just a one-way broadcast. The "Cruising with Ben and David" community is a massive feedback loop. People share their own horror stories or "pro tips" in the comments, creating a living database of cruise knowledge. They’ve essentially crowdsourced the "State of the Cruise Industry."
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When a ship has a persistent plumbing issue or a specific deck that’s too noisy because it’s under the gym, the community finds out. This has forced cruise lines to be slightly more careful. They know that if a cabin is terrible, it might end up in a video seen by half a million people.
Navigating the "New Normal" of Cruising
The industry has changed massively in the last few years. Prices are up. Ships are more crowded. Staffing is a struggle. Ben and David have been vocal about the "premiumization" of the experience. You now have to pay for things that used to be free. Pizza late at night? That might be $10 now. Room service? Another $8.
They help navigate this. They tell you which "add-on" packages are scams and which ones actually save you money. For example, is the "Deluxe Beverage Package" worth it if you only drink two glasses of wine? Probably not. They do the math so you don't have to.
Specific Ships That Made an Impact
Looking back at their catalog, certain ships stand out as milestones in their coverage:
- Icon of the Seas: The sheer scale was something they handled with a mix of awe and practical skepticism.
- Disney Wish: They tackled the "Disney Adult" phenomenon with a fair look at whether the premium price tag actually buys you a better experience or just a brand name.
- P&O Iona: For the UK market, this was a massive deal, and their coverage helped a lot of first-timers decide if a "mega-ship" was too intimidating.
Actionable Tips for Using Their Insights
If you're planning a trip and using cruising with ben and david as your guide, don't just watch the newest video. Search for the specific ship name plus their names.
- Check the date: Cruise ships get "refurbished" or go through "dry dock" every few years. A review from five years ago might not reflect the current state of the upholstery or the food.
- Look for the "Live" streams: These are less edited and often contain the most honest "in the moment" reactions to things going wrong, like missed ports or bad weather.
- Pay attention to the "Deck Plan" advice: They often point out "hacks" for finding quiet spots on crowded ships, like the secret forward decks on certain Carnival vessels.
The Future of Cruise Content
The "influencer" space is getting crowded. Everyone with an iPhone thinks they’re a travel critic now. But the reason Ben and David stay at the top is the consistency of their "voice." They haven't turned into a corporate mouthpiece. They still feel like those two guys you’d meet at the Martini Bar who would tell you exactly which shore excursion to avoid because it’s a tourist trap.
They’ve also branched out into "Land Sea" comparisons, looking at how a cruise stacks up against a high-end all-inclusive resort. It’s an interesting pivot because, for a long time, people were either "cruise people" or "hotel people." They’re proving you can be both, as long as the value is there.
How to Book Based on Their Recommendations
- Watch the "Ship Tour" first: Get the layout.
- Watch the "Food Review" second: This is where most people get disappointed on cruises.
- Compare their "Pro/Con" list at the end of their videos: They usually summarize the "Who is this for?" which is the most important question. A ship that is perfect for a 20-something party animal is a nightmare for a retiree looking for a book and a blanket.
Cruising is an expensive hobby. It’s one of the few vacations where you are literally trapped on the product you bought. You can’t just walk to a different hotel if you hate it. That’s why the work Ben and David do is actually a form of consumer protection. They give you the "eyes on the ground" perspective before you swipe your credit card.
Essential Next Steps for Your Next Cruise
- Audit your "must-haves": Before watching a review, decide if food, entertainment, or the destination matters most. Ben and David weigh these differently depending on the ship.
- Check the cabin category: They often tour specific cabin types. Make sure you aren't looking at a "Junior Suite" review if you're booking an "Interior."
- Cross-reference with recent "Live" vlogs: Ships change staff frequently, and service levels can fluctuate month to month. The live videos are the most current "pulse" of a vessel.
- Sign up for price trackers: Once you've picked a ship based on their recommendation, use a tool like CruiseWatch or Shipmate to see when the price drops.
- Look for "Dry Dock" dates: Never book a cruise right before a ship goes into dry dock (it'll be falling apart) or the first week it comes out (the crew will still be finishing the renovations).
The most important thing is to remember that no ship is perfect. Every vessel has a "quirk," whether it's a vibration in the aft or a buffet that closes too early. By watching people who actually spend their lives at sea, you go in with your eyes open, which is the only way to actually enjoy a vacation.
Reference Note: Insights based on the public broadcast history and consumer review styles of Ben Southall and David James via their various digital platforms.
Next Steps for Planning
To get the most out of your research, start by identifying the class of ship you are interested in rather than just the cruise line. Search for a "Full Ship Tour" from the last 12 months to ensure the amenities haven't changed. If you are debating between two specific lines, look for "Head to Head" comparison videos which break down the cost-per-day versus the quality of included amenities. Finally, always verify the current "gratuity" or "service charge" rates on the cruise line's official site, as these often change more frequently than video content can be updated.