Cruise Radio (Doug Parker)

We get a first look at Norwegian Cruise Line's newest ship to the Alaska market, Norwegian Joy. This was the very first passenger sailing in North America and we covered a lot of ground.

With 18 dining options, go-karts, laser tag, a virtual reality gaming complex; Footloose, the musical, and other shows - it was a very packed sailing. 

Norwegian Joy is the sister ship to Norwegian Bliss (launched in 2018). Many people don't know that Joy was launched first in 2017, but was purpose-built for the Chinese market. 

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We get a review of Royal Caribbean's Enchantment of the Seas. This sailing left Miami, Florida and headed for Nassau, Bahamas and Royal Caribbean's private island Coco Cay, Bahamas. We get a full review of the ship, the dining, entertainment on board, a glimpse into a day on Coco Cay, and some overall thoughts. 

Sherry Kennedy has cruise news on: 

• Sad news on a Princess Cruise in Alaska last week.
• Carnival Cruise Line gave Mobile, Alabama some great news
• New report shows norovirus is down on cruise ships
• Norwegian Cruise Line is testing a surcharge on another restaurant
• Bookings now open for Norwegian Sun
• Listener question on Carnival Cruise Line specialty dining. 

Link Mentioned: Unscripted interview on Always Be Booked Podcast

Thoughts or comments? doug@cruiseradio.net 

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We get a seven-night Western Caribbean cruise review from a family who sailed aboard Carnival Vista. The sailing was from Galveston, Texas and went to Mahogany Bay, Belize City, and Cozumel. Here how Carnival Vista compares to a most recent sailing on Carnival Horizon. 

Sherry has cruise news: 

• Carnival Cruise Line extends its pause in operations 
• Norwegian Cruise Line is downsizing a Free at Sea perk 
• CDC extends No Sail Order for cruise ships for 100-days 
• Royal Caribbean founder passes away 
• One cruise line has detailed their new sanitation policies and procedures

Listener Question: I'm getting a divorce and getting my name back to my maiden name ASAP!! I booked the cruise under my married name last year.  What is involved in changing the name with the cruise line from married to maiden? 

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Thoughts or questions? doug@cruiseradio.net 

The latest cruise news with staff writer Richard Simms. And a review of MSC Cruises's World Europa. 

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Ross joins us to discuss his seven-night Western Caribbean cruise from the Port of Miami. This cruise went to Cozumel, Mexico; Costa Maya, Mahogany Bay, Honduras; and Mexico. This was his first time sailing on a Carnival Cruise Line after sailing Royal Caribbean and MSC Cruises.

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We took a weekend trip down to Carnival Sunshine in Port Canaveral, Florida and talked to the Cruise Director Ryan. This is Ryan's second week on the job as he's filling in for the original Cruise Director Jamie D. We also chat with a passenger about their Carnival Sunshine experience. 

On this episode, Nancy Schretter stops by to give us her Norwegian Jade review. She just returned from a 10-day cruise in the Eastern Mediterranean.  

Stewart Chiron the Cruise Guy has cruise news:

• Allure of the Seas dry dock complete
• NCL reverse food only in dining room policy
• Three queen meet up in Liverpool
• Queen Elizabeth 2 left to rot
• New guesses on Carnival Corp. announcement

A three-night review of Royal Caribbean's Utopia of the Seas. This sailing went to Nassau, Bahamas and Perfect Day at CocoCay, Royal Caribbean's private island. 

Staff writer Richard Simms has cruise news. 

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A seven-night Bahamas review of Carnival Pride. Walter took this cruise for his 15th wedding anniversary and booked a suite. We get a full review of this Spirit-class ship, entertainment, and dining. Plus, their port stops in Nassau, Princess Cay, and Freeport, Bahamas. 

Watch Carnival Pride Tour here. 

Sherry has cruise news on:

• Norwegian Cruise Line having issues with Epic 
• Royal Caribbean ordering another mega cruise ship 
• A cruise ship was turned away from Cuba
• Carnival Cruise Line renews vows across their whole fleet
• Royal Caribbean 

Listener Question: What to do in Belize? 

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‘Twas the night before the cruise, when all through the house 

Everyone was packing; have you seen Mom’s blue blouse? 

The kids’ luggage was set by the back door with care, 

In hopes that they’d remembered to pack formal wear. 

The children were nestled all snug in their beds, 

While visions of waterslides danced in their heads. 

In the morning we got up and got coffee and fraps, 

And we got to the terminal without needing a map. 

When we got on the ship we avoided the clatter, 

We sprang to the buffet to load up a platter. 

Away to Guy’s Burgers we flew like a flash, 

Next to the pools of kids making a splash. 

The sun on the breast of the blue ocean waves 

Made me think of a drink, which I started to crave. 

When, what to my wondering eyes should appear, 

But a goofy British man who was holding a beer. 

At the site of him, someone beside me yelled, 

And I knew in a moment it must be John Heald. 

More rapid than eagles the cruisers they came, 

And he whistled, and shouted, and began to exclaim: 

"Now Sunshine! now, Glory! now, Pride and Sensation! 

On, Magic! On, Conquest! on Spirit and Elation! 

To the Caribbean and to three ports of call; 

Now cruise away, cruise away, cruise away all!" 

Some cruisers stood by and waved their goodbyes, 

As the ship’s horn blew and the sun set in the skies. 

So up to the lido deck the cruisers they flew, 

With cameras in hand to capture the view. 

And then, in a twinkling, I heard on the deck 

The pouring of juice and some orange triple sec. 

As I signed my receipt and left an extra tip, 

Up came John Heald to the top of the ship. 

He was dressed in his swimsuit, ready for the slides, 

And he looked quite happy, with a pep in his stride. 

A bag full of sunscreen he had flung on his back, 

With a Guy’s burger inside, in case he needed a snack. 

His eyes-how they twinkled! His dimples, how merry! 

But his chest won the contest for being too hairy! 

His droll little mouth was drawn up like a bow, 

For he’d just heard the sketch for the comedy show. 

As the senior cruise director of the whole Carnival fleet, 

He would shake the hand of every cruiser he’d meet. 

He had a broad face and he loved the food at the deli, 

And in the mornings he room serviced toast with some jelly. 

He was funny and kind, a right jolly old man, 

And I laughed when I saw him get a bit too tan. 

A wink of his eye and a twist of his head, 

Soon gave me to know his skin would go red. 

He spoke not a word, but went back to his work, 

As he wrote up the Fun Times for our day in Grand Turk. 

He planned out the bingos, the trivias, the shows, 

And made sure to list when the ship’s bars would close. 

He then sprang to the mic, to his team gave a shout, 

And away they all flew, the crew so devout. 

But I heard him exclaim, ‘ere we sailed out of sight, 

"Happy cruising to all, and to all a good-night!"

On this episode, we are sailing on the ms Adonia with Fathom Travel to the Dominican Republic. Fathom is Carnival Corporation's 10th cruise line. Find out what Fathom is, what the ship is like, and what travelers on the ship are experiencing. It's not for everyone, but perfect for someone. 

Thoughts or reviews? Email me: doug@cruiseradio.net 

While Doug is partying on The Solstice...guess who's back in the studio......................that's right....Matt......but he's not bitter.

Enjoy.....cuz this is a good one.

This is a 2020 review of Carnival Magic. This is a Carnival Cruise Line Dream-class ship that is currently sailing out of Port Everglades. The ports of call were Nassau, Bahamas; Grand Turk, and Amber Cove. 

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Thoughts or questions? doug@cruiseradio.net 

Richard has cruise news on: 

• Could Carnival Corporation offload Seabourn Cruises? 
• Two cruise ships are for sale in The Bahamas 
• Norwegian Cruise Line has staffing issues on one ship and redeploys another 
• A full return to service for Royal Caribbean International 
• Carnival Cruise Line sees two-million guests since the cruise industry restart 

Listener Question: Can I use a birth certificate to board a cruise ship? 

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Nancy Schretter from the Family Travel Network joins us to give her review of her recent sailing aboard Royal Caribbbean's Brilliance of the Seas. Hear all about the cruise ship, dining options, entertainment and ports of call.

Plus, Jacksonville, Florida celebrates 10 years in the cruise ship industry and we were there! 

Thoughts or reviews? Email me: doug@cruiseradio.net 

• Carnival Cruise Line did their first sailing to Cuba
• Galveston, Texas shows off their updated Cruise Terminal 2
• All four Disney ships recently earned perfect marks on their health inspection
• Do we know the name of Royal Caribbean's next ship? 
   

  Question: My husband and I are looking at sailing this fall - is there really a cheaper week to cruise? 

   

  Question: If you were to put Carnival and NCL ships side by side, what are the major differences...we have two kids (5 and 9) and trying to find the best choice for adult fun while keeping the kiddos entertained. 

   

  Show thoughts or comments? Doug@cruiseradio.net. 

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This week, travel writer Chris Owen is front and center taking your questions and calls. Also, Cruise Guy is here with our weekly dose of Cruise News. 

Thoughts or reviews? Email me: doug@cruiseradio.net 

A seven-night cruise on MSC Cruises MSC Lirica that was roundtrip from Athens, Greece. 

Richard Simms has cruise news: 

• Policy changes regarding testing across most major cruise lines 
• Norwegian Cruise Line is changing up menus and celebrating the float-out of its next Prima-class ship
• Carnival Cruise Line has over three million guests served 
• Glacier Bay National Park is tightening the reins on cruise ships
• A fishing boat hit a cruise ship in New England 

Listener Q: I have a medical condition and can not get the drink package. Can my wife get one on our Royal Caribbean cruise next summer? — Tim

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Thoughts or questions? doug@cruiseradio.net 

Listener Jason Coleman gives his review of Emerald Princess in the Baltic.

Chuck Flagg gives tips for talking cheap at sea, and Cruise News. 

Thoughts or reviews? Email me: doug@cruiseradio.net 

Sonya just returned from a four night sailing to Cozumel aboard Carnival Cruise Line's Carnival Freedom. She gives us a detailed review of the ship, food, Halloween night and entertainment. Carnival Freedom sails year-round from Galveston. 

Stewart has Cruise News on:

• Royal Caribbean Anthem of the Seas arrives 
• Another Quantum-class ship 
• Carnival Miracle and Splendor China bound 
• Norwegian Cruise Line add smoking area 

Thoughts or reviews? Email me: doug@cruiseradio.net 

Barry just returned from a seven-night Caribbean sailing aboard Celebrity Cruises' Celebrity Summit round trip from San Juan. On this show Barry reviews embarkation, first impressions, stateroom, dining, entertainment and ports of call on this voyage. Barry gives us his candid thoughts on the ship and what he liked and didn't care for. 

Jason Leppert returns to talk about his latest family vacation aboard Disney Cruise Line's Disney Fantasy. Jason discusses his experience aboard Disney Cruise Line, what it's like traveling during the holiday season on Disney, and goes into detail about the dining experiences.

Hear his Disney Fantasy review on this episode. 

It's officially Wave Season - that means there are a lot of great cruise deals to be had. In fact, 75% of cruise bookings this year will be made over the next couple months. We have added a Cruise Deal page at the top navigational bar of the website or you can click here.

Stewart Chiron, The Cruise Guy® has Cruise News:

• Snow to be featured on upcoming Norwegian Escape
• Carnival Miracle up next for a multimillion dollar renovation
• Royal Caribbean delays Dynamic Dining concept fleetwide
• Carnival Cruise Line dropping the "S"
• Pearl Seas possibly heading into Cuba
• Carnival doing away with EA Sports Bar after three years
• Oceania cruise ship fire - get caught up on the details

Thoughts or questions? doug@cruiseradio.net 

We get a review of Cuba cruise on Royal Caribbean's Empress of the Seas. This was a four night cruise to Cuba that also went to Nassau, Bahamas. If you've ever thought about taking a cruise to Cuba or have one booked, you'll want to listen to this review.  

Sherry has cruise news on:

• Bahamas is cutting the cash supply off to the cruise lines 
• Carnival Cruise Line is raising daily gratuities 
• Princess Cruises makes an unexpected change to their traditional dining times? 
• A tattoo studio is coming to one cruise line 
• MSC Cruises is entering the ultra luxury market

Listener question:  I was just wondering if I should bring my own shampoo, body wash and conditioner or if the stuff that comes in your stateroom will be enough?

We also answer your shore excursion questions.

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Thoughts or questions? doug@cruiseradio.net 

Want daily cruise news? Subscribe to the Cruise Radio News podcast feed. 

Get in-depth cruise news and industry insight at www.cruiseradio.net.

All things Hurricane Dorian in September 2019, and how it impacted the Bahamas. We find out what the cruise lines are doing to help the residents of Grand Bahamas Island and Abacos. We learn what damage was done to the cruise lines.

A guest who was on Royal Caribbean's Symphony of the Seas during the storm shares what it was like to be at sea and have their cruise extended. And ABC Action News meteorologist Greg Dee gives some insight behind Hurricane Dorian and just what made it so powerful. 

This week we talk with Rick Sasso, the CEO of MSC Cruises USA.

We get a seven-night Western Caribbean review of Norwegian Cruise Line's Breakaway-class ship Norwegian Getaway. We get a comprehensive review from this first time Norwegian Cruise Line guest.

Sherry has cruise news on: 

• Carnival Cruise Line going to another West Coast port
• Carnival rescuing an NCL crew member that went overboard
• Holland America ditching another cruise ship 
• Cruise line helping fund a Statue of Liberty museum 

Listener Q: Where does the crew tips go when you hand them over directly?

Thoughts or questions? doug@cruiseradio.net 

Visit the newly launched Cruise Radio YouTube channel. 

Get in-depth cruise news and industry insight at www.cruiseradio.net.

This week we are talking to Tracey Gallagher about Cruise Month and the World's Largest Cruise Night. You've seen her on the Travel Channel, Travel correspondent for MSNBC, and has appeared as an expert on Oprah, CNN, Extra, Inside Edition, KTLA, Later Today, Livin’ It Up with Ali and Jack, and  Ananda Lewis and now Cruise Radio.

Sherry Laskin and Chris Owen, both Travel Writers and Agents join us on board the ship to cover all the misconceptions of cruising and all about the World's Largest Cruise Night. 

A Carnival Horizon 2019 review. This was an eight-night Southern Caribbean cruise from Port Miami. 

A chat with Holland America Line's president, Orlando Ashford. Also a couple of sound bytes from Carnival's Brand Ambassador John Heald. 

Sherry has cruise news on: 

• Carnival Cruise Line's new TV game show 
• Excel suites that are going to debut on Carnival Mardi Gras 
• People getting banned for destroying an elevator 
• Royal Caribbean halting Sky Pad after an incident and a $10M lawsuit 
• Listener Q: How much does it cost to use a travel agent?

Watch the Carnival Horizon review on YouTube. 

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Sharon returned to Freeport Bahamas shortly after it reopened to cruise ship traffic after Hurricane Dorian. She was traveling on Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line's Grand Celebration on a two-night cruise to Freeport from Palm Beach. We get a first-hand account of what Grand Bahama Island is like after suffering the wratch of Hurricane Dorian in early September. 

Date: November 3, 2019

We tackle your listener questions on this week's show.

• What is there to do in St. Thomas for first-time cruisers?
• How do we get from West Palm Beach to Port Miami?
• What are the major differences between Norwegian Breakaway and Norwegian Gem?
• Breaking down the Norwegian Cruise Line dining program

Date: January 5, 2019

A review of Carnival Celebration's first passenger voyage: a two-week transatlantic crossing from the UK to Miami with seven sea days in a row. 

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A review of Norwegian Cruise Line's 2019-launched ship Norwegian Encore. Encore was only in service for a couple of months before the pandemic shut the cruise industry down.  

Richard has cruise news: 

• Two cruise lines have resumed full operation 
• CDC makes changes to cruise line rules 
• Carnival is sailing from San Fransico for the first time ever 
• Celebrity Cruises picks a godmother for Celebrity Beyond 
• Barnacles cause a cruise to be canceled

Listener Question: I heard Princess Cruises is now offering all-inclusive pricing, what can you tell me about that?  — Julie 

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Joe reviews his family's seven-night cruise on Carnival Jubilee from Galveston to the Western Caribbean. 

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We get a review of Royal Caribbean's newest and largest ship, Harmony of the Seas. Tyler and his wife just returned from a Med cruise aboard Harmony and gives us a full review of the ship. Tyler gives a comprehensive review of Harmony of the Seas. 

Travel Expert Sherry Kennedy drops by and tell us when to book our cruise to get the best deal. She tells us why we should book our cruise early and not wait until last minute, and a trick of the trade that she has been using for the past two decades booking cruises. 

Thoughts or reviews? Email me: doug@cruiseradio.net 

In this episode, we get a review of a four-night voyage to Bermuda aboard Carnival Magic out of Norfolk, Virginia.

Richard has cruise news.

Want to support Cruise Radio? Join the Cruise Radio Extra Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/cruiseradio 

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This week we are broadcasting from Royal Caribbean's brand new Anthem of the Seas. This ship is hands down the smartest ship in the world! From robotic bartenders, indoor skydiving and bumper cars. Hear a comprehensive Anthem of the Seas review. 

Thoughts or reviews? Email me: doug@cruiseradio.net 

• Norwegian Escape delivered 
• Norwegian Epic undergoing refurbishment 
• Carnival Corp starting a China Cruise Line 
• Two Celebrity ships undergoing refurbishments and removing two classic ocean liner venues

Thoughts or reviews? Email me: doug@cruiseradio.net 

We check in with Stewart Chiron who is sailing aboard Celebrity Millennium this week from St. Maarten. This is the first cruise open to U.S. residents. We get a glimpse of life at sea, what it's like cruising in 2021, and what about the buffets? Staff writer Richard Simms also discusses Celebrity Cruises' new vaccination policy. 

Richard has cruise news: 

• The first Caribbean cruise ship to welcome U.S. guests has sailed 
• Another ships has been cleared to sail from Florida 
• Carnival announces Caribbean restart dates 
• A policy change for Carnival guests sailing from Galveston, Texas
• More cancellations for Disney and an app update 
• MSC announces restarts dates for North America 
• Royal has also announced a handful of ships restarting

We talk with former cruise line executive Art Sbarsky about the cruising industry restart and talk shop about moves the cruise lines are doing to earn extra revenue. 

Richard Simms has cruise news:

• It's been a long 16 months but a lot of ships are back into service
• The UK greenlights international cruises 
• The CDC and Florida lawsuit drags on — has it ended yet?
• Norwegian has finally returned to sailing 
• Disney has announced new testing protocols 
• Bimini island gets first Carnival ship call 

Staff writer Richard Simms talks to us about the meeting that PortMiami had about the state of cruising, Carnival Cruise Line ships returning to service in November, and Norwegian Cruise Line delaying a cruise update. Matt Hochberg from Royal Caribbean Blog answers questions on how Royal Caribbean has changed its app to facilitate the future of cruising and brand loyalty programs. 

Date: September 13, 2020

Cruise Radio News Brief - September 16, 2018. Disney Cruise Line could be home-porting in Miami if everything goes as planned. It's back to normal for the cruise lines impacted by Hurricane Florence. And the new Princess Cruises ship has arrived in Sydney for the season. 

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Thoughts or questions? doug@cruiseradio.net 

Want daily cruise news? Subscribe to the Cruise Radio News podcast feed. 

Get in-depth cruise news and industry insight at www.cruiseradio.net.

We get a review of Royal Caribbean's Explorer of the Seas. This cruise left Miami, Florida and went to the Bahamas. 

Sherry Laskin has cruise news on: 

• More cruise lines extending their suspension
• Carnival Cruise Line cancels sailings into the summer 
• Celebrity Cruises launched a new ship in a unique way 
• The first ship to act as a hospital has arrived in New York City
• We learn how much it costs to keep Carnival Corporation's ship afloat while they are laid up 

Cruise Guy has news on:

This week we are down in the Eastern Caribbean on Holland America Line's ms Eurodam to do a post-hurricane assessment. Two of our ports of call include St. Thomas and Grand Turk. This is the cruise ship's first time back to the two islands since being back in the Caribbean. 

• We talk with a local in St. Thomas
• Jack, the owner of Jack's Shack in Grand Turk 
• Cruise Director Nick on Holland America's Eurodam
• Bruce Parkinson from OpenJaw.com 

Comments or questions? doug@cruiseradio.net 

Resources mentioned

• Returning to Grand Turk After the Hurricanes 
• Eurodam Returns to St. Thomas
• My Brother's Workshop in St. Thomas

On this episode Kathy gives us a review from Royal Caribbean's Allure of the Seas. She just returned from a seven-night Caribbean sailing on one of the world's largest cruise ships. She has a comprehensive bow-to-stern review of this cruise ship home-ported in Port Everglades. 

Sherry Kennedy joins us again with our weekly dose of cruise news" 

• Carnival Live announcements
• Carnival names new ship
• More Margaritavilles at sea:
• Royal Caribbean expands high-speed internet: 
• Another cruise line bans balcony smoking

Thoughts or reviews? Email me: doug@cruiseradio.net 

This week are are aboard the brand new Celebrity Eclipse.  This is the third Solstice-class and is over the top remarkable! There is plenty of great interviews in this episode.

We have interviews with:

• President and CEO, Daniel Hanrahan
• TV Personality, Geoff Edwards (RIP)
• Master Chef, Jacques Van Staden
• Passengers

Rachelle and her family just returned from one of the very last cruises of the 2019 Alaska season. She sailed on Norwegian Cruise Line's Norwegian Jewel with her family of five, and they all stayed in The Haven. The Haven is Norwegian's ship within a ship concept. Hear what it's like cruising in The Haven and sailing Alaska. 

Date: October 20, 2019 

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have published 28 questions to the general public. We read the questions and tell you how you can respond with your answers. 

You may submit comments, identified by Docket No. CDC-2020-0087 by any of the following methods listed below. CDC does not accept comments by email.

• Federal eRulemaking Portal: https://www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments.
• Mail: Maritime Unit, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1600 Clifton Road NE, MS V18-2, Atlanta, GA 30329.

Date: July 25, 2020

This week, Stewart Chiron "The Cruise Guy" chats about a record breaking week for the Oasis of the Seas in Fort Lauderdale and Spirit Airlines carry-on baggage charges... will it impact you?

Paul Motter from CruiseMates.com discusses his recent article he wrote about Fuel Surcharges and its impact on you, the traveler.

Craig Cason, a computer programmer by trade was between jobs and spent a significant time traveling. Hear about his adventures, where he went, and tips for first time world travelers.

Brad and his wife just returned from a seven-night Eastern Caribbean sailing on Royal Caribbean's Oasis of the Seas. Normally a Disney and Carnival cruiser, Brad shares his first experience on Royal Caribbean. Hear a bow to stern review of this mega cruise ship. 

I'm a huge fan of ShipMate App. It lets you do a cruise countdown, check out reviews, cruise ship photos, maps, and more. Within the past year they added a cruise price drop alert letting people know when their cruise fare drops. I talk to the founder of ShipMate App to give us the details on this. 

Bonus Cruise Radio episode. Royal Caribbean's Oasis of the Seas had to end their cruise a day early after a norovirus outbreak of almost 500 guests onboard. We talk to a guest who just returned from the ship and gives us a play by play of what happened during the sailing. Also we talk to a Commander at the Center for Disease Control and Prevention who heads up the Vessel Sanitation Program.

Video on the return of Oasis of the Seas: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W8OvqRq3SvU&t 

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Thoughts or questions? doug@cruiseradio.net 

Want daily cruise news? Subscribe to the Cruise Radio News podcast feed. 

Get in-depth cruise news and industry insight at www.cruiseradio.net.

Staff writer Richard Simms checks in with us from Carnival Cruise Line's newest ship Mardi Gras. He is on a seven-night cruise and gives us his first impressions and how he's enjoying his Excel suite (that includes access to Loft 19). 

Walter just returned from a seven-night cruise aboard Norwegian Cruise Line's Norwegian Jade from Athens, Greece. This was a Greek Isles cruise with vaccinated guests only. On top of sailing in the Mediterranean this summer, he also booked a Haven Suite. We talk about his experience and just how it was. 

Listener Q: Matt from Royal Caribbean Blog answers a listener question on getting a child tested for a Christmas sailing with a lot of the pharmacies being closed on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. 

Thoughts or questions? doug@cruiseradio.net 

A back-to-back review of Royal Caribbean's Mariner of the Seas. This was a three and four-night cruise that went to Nassau, Bahamas, and Perfect Day at CocoCay. We learn about the recent Mariner refurbishments and what it's like sailing two cruises in a row. 

Sherry has cruise news: 

• Australia extending their cruise ship ban
• Royal Caribbean backtracks on no buffets. 
• Royal Caribbean gave us a financial update 
• We start starting to see where the first cruise ships may sail from 
• Virgin Voyages has delayed their inaugural cruise - again 

Listener Q:

A Panama Canal cruise review aboard Princess Cruises' Caribbean Princess. This was a roundtrip voyage from Port Everglades. Mary first sailed Caribbean Princess back in 2005, she compares and contrasts the vessels over the past 15 years. 

Sherry Laskin has cruise news: 

• Norwegian Cruise Line cancels additional sailings
• Bankrupt cruise ship goes to auction 
• Carnival Cruise Line crew member head home
• CDC implements a color system for cruise ships 
• The second Virgin Voyages ship is floated out

Listener Q: On a cruise ship, would a medical plastic face shield that flips up and stays in place (only for eating) be better and more comfortable than a face or cloth mask? 

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Thoughts or questions? doug@cruiseradio.net 

We get the latest cruise news from Sherry Laskin. Some sound bytes from Vanna White on her thoughts of being the godmother of Carnival Panorama. And Are Cyber Monday cruise deals really worth it? We break it down. 

Date: December 1, 2019 

We get a review of a seven-night Western Caribbean cruise on Norwegian Cruise Line's Norwegian Epic. This is a very polarizing ship, folks either love it or hate it. Steven gives us his thoughts of the ship, the experience he had, and a comprehensive review. 

Visit the newly launched Cruise Radio YouTube channel. 

Thoughts or questions? doug@cruiseradio.net 

Get in-depth cruise news and industry insight at www.cruiseradio.net.

Noam just returned from a seven-night southbound sailing aboard Celebrity Cruises' Celebrity Millennium from Seward, Alaska to Vancouver, Canada. 

Heather gives us a review of Carnival Victory. This was a four-night cruise to Half Moon Cay and Nassau, Bahamas. In Spring 2020, Carnival Victory will head to Cadez, Spain for a massive makeover to become Carnival Radiance. 

We get the details on Carnival Cruise Line food, service, the overall experience. 

Orlando Ashford, President of Holland America Line stops by to talk about the Culinary Council, the changes at Holland America over the past few years, and some insight into the renovations at Half Moon Cay. 

Date: February 9, 2020

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The top cruise news stories of 2022 and a question about visiting St. Thomas. 

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A review of Virgin Voyages Scarlet Lady sailing from Port Miami. Staff writer Richard Simms has cruise news. 

On this episode, travel writer Chris Owen joins us to discuss one of his recent articles "10 ways to save money on a cruise without being a cheapskate."

Stewart Chiron the Cruise Guy joins us with Cruise News. Hear about: Princess Cruises relocating their ship, Crown Princess, to Texas; get an Egypt update on the ports of call; Carnival Cruise Lines pulling out of Mazatlan; and get the low down on fuel surcharges.

Matt gives us a review of Norwegian Cruise Line's Norwegian Escape. This was a seven-night cruise from New York City to Bermuda. We get a comprehensive review of Norwegian Escape, the dining venues, entertainment, and the nightlife offered onboard. 

Sherry has cruise news on: 

• Carnival Cruise Line's $200M announcement of Carnival Sunrise
• Carnival is doing away with public health forms at embarkation
• Princess Cruises reveals details about Sky Princess
• Royal Caribbean is updating their booking policy 
• Cruise ship employee kills a polar bear on an excursion

Cruise Critic stops by the give us a recap of their 2018 Cruisers' Choice Destination Awards. 

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Howard and his wife just returned from a seven-night Western Caribbean sailing about one of the world's largest cruise ships, Royal Caribbean's Oasis of the Seas. Hear this comprehensive review of what it's like living the suite life. 

Will gives us a review of Carnival Spirit. This was a seven-night cruise to Southeast Alaska from Seattle, Washington. Richard Simms has cruise news. 

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Tommy returned from a sailing from Miami, Florida on Carnival Splendor. This special cruise is what Carnival Cruise Line coins as Carnival LIVE, meaning there is a special performance taking place during the sailings. Guests are invited to attend with a ticket purchase. We get a review of the ship, the ports of call, and the Carnival LIVE performance on this sailing by country singer Sam Hunt. 

Piloting a ship is a dangerous job that requires a lot of training. We sit down and have a chat in studio with river pilot Captain Eric Bryson. Captain Bryson answers our questions on what it's like making that leap from the PILOT boat to the cruise ship, navigating mega ships, and the training required. This interview originally aired in spring 2011. 

Doug Parker and staff writer Richard Simms has cruise news.

Frank just returned from a Mediterranean cruise aboard Norwegian Escape. He talks about the ship, the ports, and his overall thoughts about the cruise. 

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We get a seven-night review of Royal Caribbean's Freedom of the Seas. This went to the ABC islands and sailed roundtrip from San Juan, Puerto Rico. 

Sherry has cruise news on: 

• Princess Cruises raising gratuities
• Cruise ship quarantined because of the measles outbreak
• Royal Caribbean laying the keel for an upcoming ship 
• The financial impact of the Oasis of the Seas dry dock accident in April 

Listener Question: How easy is it to get to LAX from Long Beach. We are in the planning stages of our upcoming cruise and trying to figure out if an Uber is cheaper than a Carnival transfer. We are a family of 4. 

Shore Excursions Group answers questions about using a third party shore excursion company.

Maritime historian Peter Knego joins us to talk about the Love Boat, or as you may know it, the Pacific Princess.

Cruise Guy is here with cruise news. 

Thoughts or reviews? Email me: doug@cruiseradio.net 

If you have watched this news this week, you've noticed the cruise lines have been front and center.

In this episode, The Cruise Guy, Stewart Chiron sets the record straight about all the media hype criticizing Royal Caribbean for continuing service into their private beach in Labadee, Haiti.

Julie Watson, Communication Consultant for VisitJacksonville.com talks about things to do if your cruise is departing out of Jacksonville, Florida. 

Chris Elliott, founder of Elliott.org joins us to talk about the Top 5 Travel Mistakes.

Author Daniel Hall talks to us.

We get a review of a 12-night cruise in the Mediterranean from Venice from Barcelona. The ship was Holland America Line's ms Veendam. 

Date: August 11, 2019 

• Norwegian Joy entertainment detailed 
• Royal raising grats on May 1
• Carnival details Vista brewery
• Cruise passenger tries to swim to cruise ship 
• Port Canaveral raises parking fee 

On this show, we talk to listener Barry who just returned from a sailing aboard Queen Mary 2, on a seven-night transatlantic sailing between New York and Southhampton. Get a full review of this ocean liner.

Also, Carnival Cruise Line's senior matre d, Ken Byrne, gives us his background, the details of his job, and what he loves about it. 

Thoughts or reviews? Email me: doug@cruiseradio.net 

A review of Carnival Vista during a Caribbean review. We are also answering your travel insurance questions. 

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Cruise industry analyst Stewart Chiron joins us to talk about the accident involving Carnival Glory and Carnival Legend in Cozumel, Mexico. We also talk about the shipyard delay of Mardi Gras and how it's impacting guests and Carnival Corporation's end of the year earnings call. 

Date: December 22, 2019

This week we are broadcasting aboard Royal Caribbean's brand new Quantum of the Seas. On this sailing, we put all the brand new features to the test like the RipCord by iFly indoor skydiving, Northstar pod that takes you 300 feet above sea level, and the Seaplex, complete with bumper cars, roller skating, a trapeze school and more.

We also push technology to the test on this voyage where we link of with a listener via Skype to take a couple of questions about the ship, dining, and why someone should sail on it.

Royal Caribbean added to its portfolio of exclusive, groundbreaking onboard experiences that have never before been imagined at sea with a skydiving experience called RipCord by iFly, as well as the engineering marvel North Star, a glass observation capsule that gently rises more than 300 feet in the air to treat guests to dramatic 360-degree views.  More “firsts” including bumper cars, a circus school with flying trapeze and roller skating can be found inside SeaPlex, the largest indoor active space at sea. There isn't much you can't do on Quantum of the Seas.

Mike Jirout from the popular ShipMate App joins us to talk about the cruise travel app with almost a million downloads, available on both iOS and Android market.

Jason drops by to share his latest venture on Viking River Cruises; looks like Viking placed a world record, again!

Stewart Chiron, the Cruise Guy, has cruise-travel news you can use. 

Thoughts or reviews? Email me: doug@cruiseradio.net 

Matt from Royal Caribbean Blog gives us five things we need to know about Royal Caribbean. 

Tony joins us this week to give his review of Royal Caribbean's Navigator of the Seas. 

Shelia and Jackie from CruisingExcursions.com give us some things to do when sailing in the Baltic and the Mediterranean. 

Send me your feedback: doug@cruiseradio.net 

A review of Royal Caribbean's Wonder of the Seas from Cruise Tips TV. This was a seven-night Eastern Caribbean cruise from Port Canaveral.  

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On this show, editor-in-chief of Vacation Agent Magazine, Theresa Norton Masek, joins us to give us some of the top cruise stories of 2013. 

Listener, Craig Kell, gives us his review of his seven-night Western Caribbean sailing aboard Miami-based Carnival Glory.

Thoughts or reviews? Email me: doug@cruiseradio.net 

We broadcast from Mazatlan, Mexico to find out if Mexico is really safe. We have all the details. 

Thoughts or reviews? Email me: doug@cruiseradio.net 

On this episode, Tommy gives us his review of his latest cruise aboard Norwegian Pearl. This wasn't an ordinary cruise, though. It was a themed cruise put on by country superstars Florida-Georgia Line. Tommy gives his impressions of the cruise overall, the food, staterooms, and, most importantly, the entertainment. 

Thoughts or reviews? Email me: doug@cruiseradio.net 

We speak with Terry Thornton, VP Port Operations for Carnival Cruise Line, about what it took to get the Eastern Caribbean back operational after the 2017 hurricane season. Terry also touches on the 20 Carnival ships that are in the Caribbean, and plans for future itineraries. 

Writer Richard Simms just returned from a 10-night Eastern Caribbean cruise and he gives us an update from a cruise guest standpoint and his thoughts on the island. 

Thoughts or questions? doug@cruiseradio.net 

Thanks for 200 amazing episodes!

We talk to Dan Skilken, ceo of Trip Insurance, he talks to us about a recent new tool that gives local alerts to your destination and answers common travel insurance questions. 

Nancy Schretter from the Family Travel Network talks to us about her latest sailing with Holland America and their Dancing with the Stars cruise voyage last month. 

Cruise Guy joins us with cruise news. 

Thoughts or reviews? Email me: doug@cruiseradio.net 

Doug broadcasts from Holland America's ms Zuiderdam on a 10-night Panama Canal sailing. He interviews key staff members, passengers and crew. Get a comprehensive review. 

Thoughts or reviews? Email me: doug@cruiseradio.net 

Ed has over 1,100 sea days with Carnival Cruise Line and lets me ask him a list of questions submitted by you the listener. 

Sherry has cruise news: 

• Royal Caribbean's announcement last week included a lot of technology - what will we see?
• Harmony of the Seas is heading to Central Florida
• Royal Caribbean lays keel for next ship, Spectrum of the Seas
• Princess Cruises completed a historical milestone in the Panama Canal 
• Tampa undergoes terminal enhancements
• Passenger kicked off a cruise ship for trying to start a mutiny

We discuss picking and booking a cruise ship stateroom. Every person has a different strategy when it comes to booking a stateroom. Cruise Radio Staff Writer Richard Simms and Always Be Booked Podcast Host Tommy Casabona weigh in on the cruise ship cabins. 

Richard just returned from a seven-night Eastern Caribbean cruise on Carnival Cruise Line's newest megaship Mardi Gras. This was his first cruise and two years, and he treated himself to an aft excel suite balcony. We get a comprehensive review of the ship, ports of call, and what he thoughts of BOLT the first roller coaster at sea. 

Thoughts or questions? doug@cruiseradio.net 

Your cruise news brief for July 22, 2018. Norwegian Cruise Line is banning straws at sea, Virgin Voyages cut the steel for their second ship, two crew members fell off a Royal Caribbean cruise ship, and Carnival Liberty made an unexpected stop off the coast of Florida. 

Get in-depth cruise news and industry insight at www.cruiseradio.net.

Here's a nine-night review of Royal Caribbean's Liberty of the Seas. This ship belongs to the Freedom class of Royal Caribbean and was launched in 2007. The cruise went to the Eastern Caribbean and Bermuda, departing from Cape Liberty in New Jersey. Kurt provides a comprehensive review covering the entire ship from bow to stern.

Staff Writer Richard Simms has cruise news on a fire aboard Royal Caribbean's Icon of the Seas, Carnival Corporation bringing in $92 million for Q2 2024, Carnival signing a 10-year agreement with the port of Seattle, and double loyalty points for a cruise line. 

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We talk with Isaiah about his recent seven-night cruise aboard Carnival Magic out of Port Canaveral, Florida. He goes over his experience in a balcony cabin for the first time, the food and entertainment onboard, and his time in the ports on this eastern Caribbean itinerary.

Richard has cruise news on: 

•  The CDC has let the Conditional Sailing Order expire
• Crystal Crusies' parent company has filed for bankruptcy 
• Norwegian changes its Free at Sea program 
• Royal Caribbean debuts a new venue on Wonder of the Seas 
• Celebrity is delaying the return of a west coast ship, and canceling a Mediterranean season for one ship
• Mardi Gras cruise director takes a promotion 

Listener question: I signed up for the free testing kit the the United States Postal Service is sending out. Will that test work for my pre-cruise testing requirement? — Billy 

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Jennifer Nittoso,  Meteorologist at The Weather Channel answers listener questions about tsunamis, rogue waves, the Bermuda Triangle, and hurricanes.

Stewart Chiron The Cruise Guy® catches us up on this weeks Cruise News. Get caught up on Celebrity Cruises opening up in the Asian market, the Carnival Magic's godmother, and Crystal Cruises' new stand-by program.

This week we get a review of a four-night sailing on Royal Caribbean's Brilliance of the Seas. This was a quick sailing to Cozumel over Super Bowl weekend. We also learn the importance of having travel insurance. 

Sherry has cruise news on: 

• Carnival's new destination in the Bahamas
• Princess Cruises putting a waterpark on one of their ships
• More Virgin Voyages news
• A Celebrity cruise ship just got a major makeover 
• Listener question comparing Caribbean itineraries and ships.

Thoughts or questions? doug@cruiseradio.net 

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Get in-depth cruise news and industry insight at www.cruiseradio.net.