A seven-night review of Princess Cruises' Regal Princess in the Med. 

Richard Simms has cruise news: 

• More developments on the rock slide impacting an Alaska cruise port 
• Another U.S. cruise line drops pre-cruise COVID-19 testing before embarkation 
• Carnival is re-opening another dining venue after being shutdown over the summer 
• One cruise line is celebrating a year back to service with some cool facts 
• Virgin Voyages is coming to a TV near you

Listener Q: Does NCL now have an Unlimited Starbucks Coffee Package for purchase? 

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Thoughts or questions? doug@cruiseradio.net 

A review of a 10-night cruise on Royal Caribbean's Voyager of the Seas. This was a Baltic cruise from Northern Europe that was very port intensive. We get a bow-to-stern review of the cruise ship and the itinerary. 

Richard has cruise news on: 

• CDC drops cruise ship program for cruise ships 
• One cruise line takes a public approach to get more to sail while the other drops negative testing
• Royal Caribbean Group purchases a former Crystal Cruises ship 
• A couple spends 1,000 days on one cruise line 
• Record cruise week in Central Florida 

Listener Question: I have a treatment booked in the spa, does this mean I'll be able to use the thermal suite that day? 

We get a review of an eight-night southern Caribbean voyage on Carnival Freedom out of PortMiami.

Richard Simms has cruise news:

• Carnival provides updates on crew shortages, the kids' clubs, and pre-cruise testing
• Disney Cruise Line is increasing the recommended daily gratuity amount
• Norwegian's PortMiami terminal has a new mural, Norwegian Sun is returning to service
• Explora Journeys orders two additional ships

Listener Question: We are going to Bermuda this summer and keep reading that we need a health passport to get to Bermuda. Is this something that we should take care or does the cruise line satisfy it for us? — Heather

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Thoughts or questions? doug@cruiseradio.net 

A seven-night review of Norwegian Breakaway from New Orleans. This was a Western Caribbean cruise with The Haven experience. 

Richard has cruise news on: 

• Two companies loosen COVID testing protocols
• NCL cancels another sailing of Norwegian Sun and wants more of your money before you cruise 
• Keel laid on the next Royal Caribbean LNG vessel
• Faster internet could soon be coming if Royal Caribbean has anything to do with it. 

A 2022 review of Carnival Radiance from Long Beach, California. 

Richard has cruise news: 

• Disney Wish has been christened in Port Canaveral, Florida 
• Carnival Corporation releases Q2 earnings and makes money again 
• Carnival Cruise Line debuts new food menu item, new ship entertainment team 
• Norwegian cruise ship damaged when hitting an iceberg in Alaska 
• Celebrity Cruises' full fleet is back in service, completing all 63 Royal Caribbean Group vessels 

Listener Q: Any idea when Carnival will bring back some of their VIFP perks? — Donna 

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Thoughts or questions? doug@cruiseradio.net 

A review of Royal Caribbean Odyssey of the Seas. This is one of the newer Royal Caribbean ships that made its North American debut in November 2022 and is spending the summer sailing the Mediterranean. 

Richard has cruise news: 

• Carnival adds two more ships to its U.S. lineup 
• Crystal Cruises returns after bankruptcy 
• Carnival Corp brand drops pre-cruise testing 
• Disney Wish readies for its July debut from Port Canaveral 
• Norwegian delays another ship because of supply chain issues 

Listener Question: We are looking to try our first Celebrity Crusie next year and currently pricing them out. I know it's all-inclusive pricing, but the only issue is we gave up drinking years ago. Is there a way to get a lower fare if we want to opt-out of the drink package? — Linda 

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Thoughts or questions? doug@cruiseradio.net 

A review of Discovery Princess in Alaska. Dan from TripInsurance.com answers your listener questions as the U.S. government drops restrictions on inbound COVID testings for flights. 

This week we get a review of Carnival Sunshine, a Sunshine-class ship that is sailing year-round from Charleston, South Carolina. This was a Bahamas cruise calling to Princess Cays and Nassau. 

Richard has cruise news on: 

• Carnival Celebration details revealed 
• Norwegian Escape sailings canceled 
• Carnival Freedom set to return after fire 
• Two more lines complete the restart 
• Holland America Line ship christened in Rotterdam 
• A bankrupt cruise line starts over 

This week we get a review of Celebrity Reflection. 

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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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This week we get a review from a first-time cruiser who took a quick three-night sailing on Carnival Liberty from Port Canaveral, Florida. This sailing had one Fun Day at Sea and a port stop in Nassau, Bahamas. We get a comprehensive ship review through the lens of a first-time cruiser. 

Richard Simms has cruise news: 

• Carnival makes adjustments to onboard dining 
• New cruise port coming to The Bahamas 
• Margaritaville at Sea sets sail 
• Record booking day for one cruise line 
• Cruise ship bumps into a dock in Alaska

Listener Question: If I test positive after my cruise, do I have to notify the cruise line? 

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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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A review of Royal Caribbean's Oasis of the Seas.

Thoughts or questions? doug@cruiseradio.net 

A review of Carnival Cruise Line's last Vista-class ship, Carnival Panorama. This was a seven-night cruise from Long Beach, California, to Cabo, Puerto Vallarta, and Mazatlan, Mexico. We get a comprehensive review of the cruise ship, dining onboard, and ports of call down in the Mexican Riviera.  Richard Simms has cruise news: 

• Australia has reopened its cruise industry 
• Grand Cayman drops cruise ship restrictions 
• Jimmy Buffett's cruise ship is being converted to a Margaritaville at Sea 
• Self-serve buffets are back on Royal Caribbean 
• Norwegian Escape returns to service 
• Another drug bust on MSC Seaside in Europe

This week we get a review of Celebrity Constellation. This was an 11-night cruise from Tampa, Florida to the Caribbean and Central America.

We get a full review of the ship, the destinations, and what Kirk and his wife thought of a longer-than-normal cruise. 

Richard Simms has cruise news on: 

• Cruising is back for Canada and Alaska
• Royal Caribbean cuts steel for one ship and names the next vessel 
• Prices are on the increase at Carnival Cruise Line 
• Another Fantasy-class ship scrapped 
• 10 guests on MSC Seaside were busted for transporting drugs 

Listener Q: What are the requirements for iFly on Royal Caribbean's Anthem of the Seas? 

Thoughts or questions? doug@cruiseradio.net 

Dan Skilken from TripInsurance.com drops by discussing the importance of travel insurance over the past few months, including the Crystal Cruises' bankruptcy, Norwegian Escape running aground, CDC lifting cruise travel advisory, and canceling an Eastern European vacation because of the conflict between Ukraine and Russia. 

Scott gives us a review of the largest cruise ship in the world in 2022, Royal Caribbean's Wonder of the Seas. This was a seven-night Western Caribbean voyage from Port Everglades. We get a comprehensive review of this brand new cruise ship.  

Richard Simms has cruise news: 

• CDC drops cruise travel warning 
• New zone revealed aboard upcoming mega-ship Carnival Celebration. 
• Another sailing of Norwegian Escape was canceled due to ongoing repairs. 
• Discovery Princess enters service from Los Angeles. 
• Grand Cayman welcomes cruise ships again 

Listener Question: What do I need to know about doing a back-to-back cruise on two different cruise lines this December in Port Canaveral? 

Thoughts or questions? doug@cruiseradio.net 

A review of Royal Caribbean's private island in the Bahamas, Perfect Day at CocoCay. 

Richard has cruise news: 

• The CDC lowers the cruise travel health warning
• Norwegian Escape cancels voyage mid-cruise after running aground
• Australia is returning to cruising in April 2022 
• Princess Cruises adds two more U.S. homeports this year 
• Carnival Cruise Line wraps its 50th birthday with a giant party on Carnival Conquest

Listener Question: Was your cruise on Norwegian Getaway free? 

Thoughts or questions? doug@cruiseradio.net 

In this week’s episode, we speak with Adam about his five-night Mariner of the Seas voyage out of Port Canaveral in December 2021. He discusses his cabin, the ship’s food and entertainment, and what he did at Royal Caribbean’s private island Perfect Day at CocoCay.

Richard has cruise news:

• Norwegian details upcoming cruise ship
• Carnival's 50th anniversary meet up 
• MSC goes year-round in NYC 
• Carnival Spirit and Carnival Esctasy return to service
• Allure of the Seas goes to three- and four-night sailings in 2023 

Listener Question: What is cruising like in 2022?

Thoughts or questions? doug@cruiseradio.net 

Chris and his wife just returned from a five-night cruise to the western Caribbean aboard Norwegian Getaway. He tells us about his experience with a Haven aft balcony suite, the dining and entertainment on the ship, and his time in Cozumel and Norwegian’s private destination in Belize, Harvest Caye.

Richard has cruise news: 

• Carnival details more itineraries 
• 8 cruise lines drop masks mandates
• Norwegian details business in a latest earnings update 
• Could cruise ships become apartments?
• Norwegian Sky returns to sailings 

Listener Question: Should I prepay my gratuity or tip cash at the end?  

Marc and his family recently returned from a six-night New Year's Eve cruise aboard Carnival Miracle from Long Beach, Califonia. This cruise went down to Cabo and Ensenada. We get a comprehensive review of the ship, what he thought of the food, the condition of the vessel, and his overall thoughts of this Carnival Miracle cruise. 

Richard has cruise news on: 

• CDC drops cruise travel warning down one level
• Crystal Cruises hangs it up after 30 years 
• Smoking in the casinos are back for Carnival Cruise Line 
• Virgin Voyages opens its new terminal in PortMiami 
• Most 2023 Norwegian Sky sailings go dark

Listener Q: What is a Carnival Sailabration cruise and are they still available to book? 

We get a review of Norwegian Cruise Line's Norwegian Gem. This was a five-night cruise to Bermuda from New York City, with a double-dip at the island. Daniel traveled as both a solo guest and for the first time on Norwegian Cruise Line. 

Cruise news will return next week. Check out the Cruise News Today podcast feed or the Cruise Radio YouTube Channel for daily news. 

Thoughts or questions? doug@cruiseradio.net 

Richard Simms has cruise news: 

• A cruise ship on the run 
• Carnival opens bookings for new ship 
• Virgin Voyages is already doing a cabin refresh 
• COVID tests could soon be $10 on Carnival 
• Carnival doubles down on COVID protocols with masks, testing, and vaccinated-only sailings 

Listener Question: Will Carnival Cruise Line require a booster shot? 

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 

Thoughts or questions? doug@cruiseradio.net 

Chad chats with us about his recent sailing aboard MSC Cruises' new ship MSC Seashore. He discusses his stay in the vessel's ship-within-a-ship complex The Yacht Club, as well as his experience with other dining, activities, and entertainment around the ship.

Thoughts or questions? doug@cruiseradio.net 

Sheldon chats with us about his experience on Celebrity Apex's third cruise ever — a six-night Greek Isles voyage out of Athens. He goes over his first impressions of the brand-new ship, his cabin with infinite veranda, the dining, entertainment, and how the extremely low capacity on board affected the sailing.

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 

Kevin and his family just returned from a seven-night Western Caribbean cruise on Royal Caribbean's Allure of the Seas. We get a full review of the ship, itinerary, and the new protocols that Royal has during the cruise industry restart on its largest ships. 

Thoughts or questions? doug@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 

This week Richard Simms gets us caught up on this week's cruise news. 

1. Another Carnival Cruise Line ship has issues 
2. John Heald gets dumps a bunch of cruise line news 
3. Celebrity Cruises' changes its vaccination policy 
4. Norwegian Cruise Line resumes sailing from the Gulf Coast 
5. Virgin Voyages donates 100s of cabins on Scarlet Lady
6. NCL cancels sailings from South Africa

Listener Question: 

Thoughts or questions? doug@cruiseradio.net 

• One of the big guys at Royal Caribbean is stepping down after 33 years 
• World's largest cruise ship hits milestone
• Carnival Vista will move ports in 2023 
• A milestone out in Los Angeles this past weekend. 
• Carnival is doing it again 
• This restart is ramping up quickly, what are the latest ships back in service? 

Listener Question: Can I buy a mask on a cruise? 

Mark just returned from a seven-night cruise aboard Royal Caribbean's Oasis of the Seas. This was a cruise that went down to the Bahamas with a brief stop in Florida. Departing out of the New York City metro area, Mark shares his thoughts, his first impressions, and what it was like being a first-time cruiser on Royal Caribbean. 

Thoughts or questions? doug@cruiseradio.net 

We catch up with Holland America Line's President about the brand new ms Rotterdam and speak with Seth Wayne, Holland America Line's brand ambassador. 

Thoughts or questions? doug@cruiseradio.net 

Travel insurance policies have changed over the cruise industry shutdown. In some areas larger than others, especially when it comes to a test yielding a positive test result.  Dan Skilken, President of TripInsurance.com joins us to break down what has changed, and what hasn't over the course of the pandemic. 

Richard has cruise news: 

• A recording-breaking passenger day in Nassau, Bahamas 
• Celebrity Apex is christened in Port Everglades, Florida 
• Royal Caribbean updates Ultimate World Cruise sales 
• Two cruise lines have earnings calls and it looks good moving forward 
• Cruise line enters Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade 
• You can cruise with Chef Emeril this Thanksgiving 

Listener Question: We do not have a smartphone, do we have to use the Ocean Medallion token on Princess Cruises? 

A review of Carnival Cruise Line's newest mega-ship Mardi Gras. This was a seven-night Western Caribbean sailing from Port Canaveral. This is a special interview because our guest is legally blind and his wife is blind. We go into detail about Carnival's special needs department and how the line accommodates ADA requests. 

Richard Simms has cruise news: 

• The CDC has extended and modified the Conditional Sailing Order 
• Carnival Cruise Line's newest ship Mardi Gras was officially christened 
• Carnival Radiance is officially in North America
• Virgin Voyages Scarlet Lady comes to the aid of distressed boaters off the coast of Florida 
• A former cruise ship is now the largest floating nightclub

Listener Question: I read in one of your articles that on Mardi Gras, you can use the Hub App to order food and have it delivered anywhere on the ship. I always get hungry halfway through a show... can I have a snack delivered to the theater? 

A review of Princess Cruises Majestic Princess. This ship was built for Asia and has been sailing in the region since 2017, until the pandemic. In the summer of 2021, Majestic Princess start sailing Alaska, and then was repositioned to Los Angeles. Next summer, the ship will head back to Alaska offering seven-night voyages to the last frontier. 

Richard Simms has cruise news on: 

• The verdict from the MSC Cruise collision with a riverboat in 2019 in Venice 
• Royal Caribbean launches first world cruise, how much does it cost? 
• Celebrity Cruises goes heavy on Europe in 2023 
• A former Carnival Cruise Line ship heads to the scrapyard
• Cruise lines prepare for the international travel ban to be lifted on November 8. 

Listener Q: Does the Royal Caribbean Ultimate Dining Package work for all the venues onboard, even the a la carte. 

A review of Norwegian Cruise Line's Norwegian Encore. This ship was launched in 2019 and only sailed a couple of months before the cruise industry shutdown. William and his family sailed this seven-night cruise to Southeast Alaska from Seattle. 

Richard has cruise news on: 

• Grand Turk could see cruise ships by the end of 2021 
• More Carnival Corporation cruise ships returned to service over the weekend 
• San Francisco reopened to cruise ships this week 
• Nearly 250,000 guests have sailed Carnival Cruise Line over the past three months 
• Another cruise line adds a second world cruise

Listener Questions: 

If you've got a minute could you tell me if the Covid home test for Royal Caribbean can be done anytime during the day/night.  We are heading to Miami 2 days before sailing and need to be at the airport by 9:00 a.m. Thursday (sailing Saturday).  Would be nice if we could use the test kit around 7 a.m. — Carol

We are sailing Mardi Gras and have a question about Carnival Kitchen. How much does it cost, what is involved, and how do we make reservations for it? Is this like a chef's table experience?

Thoughts or questions? doug@cruiseradio.net 

A review of Royal Caribbean's Freedom of the Seas. This was a four night cruise to Perfect Day at CocoCay and Nassau, Bahamas from Miami, Florida.

Richard Simms has cruise news. 

Listener Q: What is the best cruise to take to see if I even like cruising? 

Thoughts or questions? doug@cruiseradio.net 

On this episode with talk with Tom McAlpin, CEO and President of Virgin Voyages. Virgin's newest ship Scarlet Lady is finally home in PortMiami where she is about to start sailing revenue cruises on October 6. 

Sheri Griffiths from CruiseTipsTV stops by to give her first impressions of Scarlet Lady. 

Richard Simms has cruise news: 

• The State of the Industry address at SeaTrade Cruise Global
• Royal Caribbean will start allowing pre-cruise testing at pier for a fee 
• Norwegian Breakaway is sailing again out of New York City
• Virgin Voyages gears up for Caribbean sailings from PortMiami 
• A cruise line teams up with a submarine company 

Listener Q: What is the best way to use my onboard credit? 

Thoughts or questions? doug@cruiseradio.net 

Kirk just returned from a seven-night Alaska cruise on Celebrity Millennium from Seattle, Washington. We get a full review of sailing Alaska in 2021 and if cruising to the last frontier is different.

Richard Simms has cruise news:

• Carnival backtracks on pierside pre-cruise testing
• Royal Caribbean pulls a cruise ship from China, moves to the US
• Proposed Alaska bill would stop mandatory Canadian port calls
• MSC Cruises returns to Divina from Port Canaveral
• A beer company is teaming up with cruise lines to help train staff in a new era of bars

Listener Question: What is the feedback from cruise passengers taking the at-home COVID-19 test? — Anne 

Thoughts or questions? doug@cruiseradio.net 

Carter and his wife recently returned from a cruise aboard one of MSC’s newer ships, MSC Meraviglia.

In this interview, they talk to us about the boarding process, dining, entertainment, and how MSC has adjusted things since COVID. They also detail their experience on MSC’s private island in the Bahamas, Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve.

Richard Simms has cruise news:

• Virgin Voyages's Scarlet Lady is back in the USA
• Carnival Cruise Line revamps its Have Fun. Be Safe. policies for the casino 
• One-third of Norwegian Cruise Line's ships are sailing again 
• Carnival gives more testing options 
• Royal Caribbean updates sailing protocols on all cruises through October 15. 

Listener Question: What is the best option for taking my pre-cruise COVID test before embarking from Port Canaveral, Florida on a seven-night cruise? — Mark 

Thoughts or questions? doug@cruiseradio.net 

In August, Daniel and his eight-year-old daughter took a four-night cruise aboard Disney Dream — their first cruise in 20 months. He joins us on the show to discuss how embarkation differed from the last time he sailed, the dining experience, the entertainment quality, and the sailing’s double-dip at Disney’s private island Castaway Cay.

Thoughts or questions? doug@cruiseradio.net 

In the episode, we interview Kerry about his seven-night Western Caribbean cruise aboard Norwegian Gem. This was the first Norwegian Cruise Line ship to depart Florida since the shutdown in March 2020. 

Kerry also discusses what life was like on board during the seven-night voyage and the kind of health protocols the company has in place. 

We also learn what it was like being in the Caribbean while a hurricane is spinning around. 

Thoughts or questions? doug@cruiseradio.net 

Cruise writer Dave Monk recently took one of Virgin Voyages’ first revenue sailings ever out of Portsmouth, England. Sailing a four-night “cruise to nowhere” aboard the line’s first ship, Scarlet Lady, he had plenty of time to explore and check out its various offerings.

In this interview, he offers his impressions of this trip vs. his first time on board last year, the dining options, whether the ship REALLY doesn’t have a buffet, and what amenities the ship has for passengers to enjoy.

Dave also discusses who the cruise line’s target audience is and goes over how to decide whether or not a Virgin Voyages cruise is right for you — because it’s quite different than any other cruise line in the world.

Thoughts or questions? doug@cruiseradio.net 

Today we get a review of Celebrity Equinox. This is Celebrity Cruises' second cruise ship sailing from Florida. The cruise was a seven-night sailing to the Eastern Caribbean. This was a last-minute cruise for John and his wife, booking just a week before the ship set sail. 

We get a comprehensive review of the ship, the itinerary, and health protocols as ships return to sailing again. 

Thoughts or questions? doug@cruiseradio.net 

A sneak look at Carnival Cruise Line's maiden voyage of Mardi Gras, the ship that holds the same name as the company's first vessel in 1972. 

Thoughts or questions? doug@cruiseradio.net 

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 

This week we get a review of Royal Caribbean's Freedom of the Seas. This was a four-night cruise that called to private island Perfect Day at CocoCay and Nassau, Bahamas. Freedom is one of the Royal Caribbean was one of the ships that conducted a simulated voyage so it could allow more unvaccinated guests to board, most of them being families with kids under 12. 

Stewart Chiron the Cruise Guy is sailing in the Aegean Sea on Celebrity Apex this week. We catch up with him while on a sea day between cruise ports. 

Thoughts or questions? doug@cruiseradio.net 

Celebrity Apex check-in

This week are sailing on the first Carnival Cruise Line ship from Florida. This was a six-night Eastern Caribbean cruise from PortMiami to Amber Cove and private island Half Moon Cay. 

We speak with:

• Carnival Cruise Line President, Christine Duffy
• Brand Ambassador John Heald 
• VP of Beverage Operations, Eddie Allen 

Thoughts or questions? doug@cruiseradio.net 

Just back from Celebrity Cruises' first ship revenue sailing back from the United States that took place aboard Celebrity Edge. This was a seven-night Western Caribbean sailing to Mexico and Nassau, Bahamas. In this show we talk about how cruising is different, how is it the same, and what are the major changes. 

Thoughts or questions? doug@cruiseradio.net 

This week we broadcast from Celebrity Cruises' first ship to sail from the United States in 15-months, Celebrity Edge. Royal Caribbean Group CEO Richard Fain joins us on the program, along with Stewart Chirson the Cruise Guy. 

Thoughts or questions? doug@cruiseradio.net 

This week we talk to Nick who just returned from the very first Royal Caribbean sailing open to U.S. guests from Nassau, Bahamas. He details the process of flying to the Bahamas from Florida, the health protocols in place both in port and onboard, and how the cruising experience compared to pre-COVID times.

Richard has cruise news:

• The state of Florida won the lawsuit against the CDC — What's next? 
• The first simulated sailing has officially been completed, what are we hearing? 
• Carnival announced they'd be receiving a couple of new additions. 
• Royal Caribbean adds fees for unvaccinated cruisers 
• A proposed bill could cut Canada's stop out of the itinerary if it were only to satisfy the Passenger Vessel Services Act. 
• More Norwegian Cruise Line cancellations

Thoughts or questions? doug@cruiseradio.net 

This week we get a review of Celebrity Millennium. This was the first North American cruise for Celebrity that was open to residents of the United States. The cruise took an interesting turn when two guests onboard the ship tested positive. Luckily, all turned out good and in the end, it proved that the protocols the cruise line has in place worked. 

Richard has cruise news: 

• Last week it was Celebrity Cruises, this week it's Royal Caribbean that set sail on its first journey welcoming US guests. 
• 8 Royal Caribbean crew members from Odyssey of the Seas tested positive, delaying the first cruise.
• Millennium had an isolated incident last week on their first cruise back. 
• The state of Florida vs the CDC, what's the latest delay about? 
• The Gov of USVI is also for cruise lines asking for vaccine status.

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

This week we’ve put together a very special episode of Cruise Radio to honor and celebrate the life of ‘The Love Boat’ actor Gavin MacLeod, who passed away on May 29 at the age of 90. Best known as Captain Stubing. 

You’ll hear from a variety of individuals in the cruise industry who were personally impacted by MacLeod throughout the years, and have the chance to listen to an interview I did with him aboard Royal Princess in 2013.

We here at Cruise Radio are grateful for the legacy he’s left behind, and are thankful he’s in heaven now with Jesus.

We get a preview of the first cruise to return to the sea from the UK in 14-months. Journalist Dave Monk just returned from a four-night sailing. He discusses the protocols onboard, what dining, the buffets, and the mask situation are like onboard. 

Sherry Laskin has cruise news on: 

• Royal Caribbean gets permission to cruise
• A tone of optimism from cruise line executives 
• The Alaska Tourism Restoration Act passes 
• A cavalcade of cruise lines intends to sail Alaska this summer 
• Carnival has outlined its Alaska cruise protocols 
• Viking gears up for a summer 2021 restart 
• Another cruise line extends Bahamas sailings due to an overwhelming response
• Norwegian Cruise Line details its 2021 restart for the US

Listener Question: What is the weather like in Southeast Alaska for late August? — Nicole 

Thoughts or questions? doug@cruiseradio.net 

Stewart Chiron the Cruise Guy stops by to unpack the latest developments from the CDC as well as the state of Florida's lawsuit against the agency. 

Sherry has cruise news on: 

• Judge speaks on State of Florida vs CDC lawsuit
• Royal Caribbean has made some changes for summer cruises 
• Alaska cruise bill passes in the Senate, next up is the House 
• Carnival's new ship is heading to Florida very soon
• Disney Cruise Line details upcoming ship Wish 
• Norwegian Cruise Line shares more about upcoming Norwegian Prima

Listener Q: Is it better to book the new ship right when it goes on sale or give it some time for the people that paid deposits to back out and hope for a lower price? - Jim 

Thoughts or questions? doug@cruiseradio.net 

As cruise lines prepare to resume sailings again, we are getting more and more questions about ships, destinations, casinos, and news ships that will be debuting over the next few years. 

Sherry has cruise news:

• Good news for cruisers who don't want to wear a mask at the beach. 
• Carnival Cruise Line Cancels sailings through July 31, 2021. 
• Norwegian Cruise Line details new cruise ship that will debut in 2022. 
• Holland America Line ship completes sea trials. 
• Norwegian Holdings donate $10 million to Alaska communities 
• Azamara cruises release new health and safety protocols for cruise resumption. 

Listener Question: What recommendation do you have for a woman who's in her 60s and wants to cruise solo? 

To avoid going completely insane during the industry shutdown, I decided to take a land cruise across America. Nancy Schretter from the Family Travel Network interviews me about the road trip to Las Vegas, the Grand Canyon, and the Petrified Forest National Park.  

If you're looking for cruise news this week, be sure to check out the daily Cruise Radio News Briefs where you listen to your favorite podcasts or on the Cruise Radio YouTube Channel. 

Thoughts or questions? doug@cruiseradio.net 

We answer your cruise questions: what type of cabin should I book? How do I know what cruise line to pick? Should I buy the stateroom upgrade? 

Stewart Chiron the Cruise Guy stops by the unpack the CDC lawsuit and what is happening in Washington DC and Atlanta with the cruise industry. 

Thoughts or questions? doug@cruiseradio.net 

• The CDC has changed some rather important guidance. 
• Florida is heated and things could get there in Alaska
• More cancellations 
• A big payday for one cruise line executive 
• A royal ship plans to move to the west coast sooner than expected

Listener Question:

A review of Royal Caribbean's former cruise ship Empress of the Seas that took place on the vessel's very last sailing with the company. 

Sherry Laskin has cruise news: 

• Carnival Cruise Line has canceled more sailings. 
• Phase two guidance was released from CDC, what did we learn? 
• Norwegian Cruise Line is taking its ships offshore, following Royal Caribbean's lead. 
• Royal Caribbean has taken delivery of its newest cruise ship. 
• We've been talking about this for years and it looks like Venice is finally taking action on cruise ships. 
• A new residential cruise ship is closer to becoming a reality.

Listener Q: I just booked an 8-day southern Caribbean cruise on carnival magic going to Aruba, Bonaire, and grand Turk. Was wondering what excursions would be the best that you would recommend? 

We compare and contract cruise vacations to all-inclusive resorts. What is the difference between the two? How are they similar? We get a full over of everything from the stay, dining, excursions, and the overall experience itself. 

Sherry Laskin has cruise news: 

• Two more Royal Caribbean ships open up for US Bookings
• A cruise industry trade group starts a campaign to restart cruising 
• Florida's governor met with cruise line executives down in your neck of the woods on Friday 
• Carnival made a bold statement at last week's meeting with government officials, stating they are "America's Cruise Line"
• More ships flock to the UK for a restart 
• The future does not look bright for the Queen Mary in Long Beach, California

Listener Question: Cynical question but inquiring minds want to know. I'm a nurse in the northeast and an avid cruiser, what's stopping people from saying they have the vaccination and they really haven't? Will the cruise lines be checking against a national database? Seems like anyone could get their hands on the vax card. - Shirley   

Thoughts or questions? doug@cruiseradio.net 

• The show must go on for cruise lines, whether the CDC likes it or not.
• If Nassau, Bahamas or Bermuda isn't your cup of tea, you can head further south.  
• Some positive news from the White House regarding the future of travel in general. 
• More summer cruise for UK cruisers.
• It was touch and go for an American river cruise ship late last week
• A close call for a Disney Cruise Line and the Victory casino ship. 

This week we catch up with Sherry Laskin with a busy week of cruise news. 

Sherry has news on:

• The first major cruise line sailing from the United States will now require a vaccination 
• More uncertainty for the already struggling Alaska cruise season 
• Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings drops the ax on June 2021 sailings 
• A scary incident aboard a MSC cruise line ship. 
• Two U.S. river cruise lines are back to sailing again 
• Royal Caribbean deploys a ship in Los Angelos in 2022 

Listener Question #1: What's the difference between a passport card and a regular passport? We are traveling to the Bahamas next summer. -Leeann 

Listener Question #2: How kid-friendly of a cruise line is Cunard? We are looking for a family reunion cruise with 30 people, half of them are under 35.  - Dave

Thoughts or questions? doug@cruiseradio.net 

What have you been doing since the cruise industry shutdown? We catch up with listener Tommy to see what he's been doing and what are some of the first things he'll do once he gets back to sea.

Sherry Laskin has cruise news:

• One cruise line is looking to homeport in Cozumel. 
• And speaking of Cozumel, a gulf coast port is about to receive a big ship. 
• Here is one for you, Sherry. One cruise line is giving away a transatlantic voyage for two. 
• Port Canaveral continues to gear up for the arrival of Carnival’s mega-ship Mardi Gras. 
• Princess and HAL opening up a small part of Alaska 

Listener Question: How does Carnival Cruise Line's shareholder credit work? 

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Thoughts or questions? doug@cruiseradio.net 

Stewart Chiron, The Cruise Guy catches us up to date with some of the decisions the cruise lines have made over the past few months and what the landscape is starting to look like as we start to move into the spring and summer 2021 cruise season. 

Sherry has cruise news: 

• Two more cruise lines delay sailings into 2021
• The U.S. Transportation Committee asks Canada to help save the Alaska cruise season 
• Grand Cayman considers limiting the number of cruise ships 
• The upcoming Royal ship will debut in a new homeport in Europe 
• Royal Caribbean ship passes an air quality test 

Question: What are your thoughts on catching an 11:35 flight out of Miami on disembarkation morning? 

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Thoughts or questions? doug@cruiseradio.net 

A review of Seabourn Sojourn on an 11-night sailing from Vancouver, BC to Anchorage, Alaska on a luxury cruise line. Find out what the difference is between a regular Alaska cruise and taking the luxury route. 

We get a review of a cruise aboard Norwegian Epic. This was a seven-night sailing from Rome that hit all the popular ports of call. We learn what it is like sailing Norwegian Cruise Line in Europe and how it differs, if at all, from sailing in the Caribbean. 

Sherry Laskin has cruise news: 

• Carnival reveals details about a space onboard the upcoming Mardi Gras 
• Carnival publishes return to cruise protocols early, then pulls them off the website. 
• Mexico is suggesting that some cruise lines homeport in Cozumel 
• The future looks grim for the Alaska 2021 cruise season 
• Viking Cruises starts construction on the new ship 

Listener Question: I am curious about this Titanic II ship. Was wondering if this for real? Mike 

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Thoughts or questions? doug@cruiseradio.net 

What will be some of the pros and cons of being the first cruise ship back to sea. Staff writer Richard Simms weighs in on what guests will have to look out for and what we know so far about the return-to-cruise process. 

Sherry Laskin has cruise news: 

• Two US-based river cruise lines will now require the COVID vaccine for crew and guests. 
• Carnival Cruise Line breaks ground on a new cruise terminal at PortMiami. 
• NCL is sending crew members back home until they get more guidance on resuming sailings. 
• MSC takes delivery of their latest cruise ship. 
• One cruise line is bringing sports betting to sea 
• If you miss Freeport, Bahamas, you can now get there with a negative test. 

Listener Question: Will the CDC still have jurisdiction to enforce the mask mandate when the ship is in international waters?  Or would a mandatory vaccine allow the cruise lines to avoid the mandate? 

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Thoughts or questions? doug@cruiseradio.net 

We get a review of Princess Cruises' Sky Princess. This was a 14-night cruise that consisted of a back-to-back seven-night to the Eastern and Western Caribbean, stopping at all the popular islands. 

Sherry Laskin has cruise news: 

• Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings is getting closer to having all crew members vaccinated
• Carnival Cruise Line delays a few dry docks and pushes the inaugural sailing of Mardi Gras
• One cruise ship goes from one cruise line to another 
• The cancellations already start for the 2021 Alaska cruise season 
• Celebrity pulls a ship from Europe and repositions it to the Caribbean for summer 2021

Listener Question: Are the perks really worth it? It seems like it's actually cheaper buying the perks a la carte instead of all-inclusive pricing. 

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Thoughts or questions? doug@cruiseradio.net 

Over the past few weeks, we've spent quite a bit of time talking about the health and safety protocols that are going to be put in place when sailing resumes. But one thing we haven't really discussed is what the port situation will be like and how it will impact cruising. Joining me to dive into this a little deeper is staff writer Richard Simms.

Sherry Laskin has cruise news: 

• Royal Caribbean sells a cruise brand
• Norwegian Cruise Line extends its cancellations
• Two former Carnival Cruise Line ships are getting scrapped
• COVID test requirement are coming for all people entering the United States
• A bucket list cruise for 2023 

Listener Question: I currently have a Disney Cruise scheduled for Aug 28th and only have paid the deposit. Do you think I should pay the balance or wait till closer to the due date in April?

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Thoughts or questions? doug@cruiseradio.net 

An Alaskan cruise on the Alaska Marine Highway System this past fall. How much is this like a real cruise ship? We find out. 

Sherry Laskin has cruise news: 

• Two more cruise lines have announced cancellations
• Popular cruise director trades sea for land 
• The ruling on banning large cruise ships could be overturned 
• European brands adds new ship during shutdown 
• Carnival earnings report shows big loss 

Listener Q:

When cruising finally does resume (whenever that might be), do you anticipate that proof of completion of COVID-19 vaccine will be required before boarding?  Also, do you anticipate cruise lines requiring rapid COVID tests and temperature checks as part of the embarkation process?

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Thoughts or questions? doug@cruiseradio.net 

Cruise news with Doug Parker and Sherry Laskin. Happy New Year! Date: January 2, 2021

The final show of 2020 brings the year full circle. We talk with a handful of cruisers and industry experts on the positives that came from the proverbial year from hell. 

Carnival Cruise Line's Brand Ambassador John Heald, Sheri from Cruise Tips TV, Nancy Schretter from the Family Travel Network, Matt from Royal Caribbean Blog, Cruise Radio Staff Writer Richards Simms, Cruise Writer Ashley Kosciolek, and Cruise Radio Listener Dr. Kris all drop by to share their thoughts of 2020.   

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Thoughts or questions? doug@cruiseradio.net 

We talk about seven of the hottest ships debuting in 2020. 

Sherry has cruise news: 

• Carnival Cruise Line's Mardi Gras was officially delivered 
• Royal Caribbean sells two cruise ships 
• Royal Caribbean gives $40 million in loans to travel agents 
• The bitcoin cruise ship is headed to the scrapyard 
• Costa Cruises debuts a new cruise ship 

Listener Question: Should we park at the port or an offsite lot? 

Norwegian Cruise Line Holding's CEO Frank Del Rio has been tossing the idea of all cruise guests receiving an immunity passport. Basically, you would have to receive the COVID-19 vaccine to cruise. Is that legal? Are cruise lines allowed to do that? We discuss. 

Sherry Laskin has cruise news: 

• Carnival Panorama is headed back to North America 
• Virgin Voyages delays both new ships into 2021 
• NCL looking to make guests get a vaccine to cruise 
• You can lease a cruise cabin by the day, week or month
• Princess Cruises gives a money-back guarantee  

Listener Question: What can we do in Port Canaveral for four days? 

What is the status of Holland America Line's return to service? 

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Thoughts or questions? doug@cruiseradio.net 

A seven-night review of Norwegian Epic from San Juan, Puerto Rico that was taken in early 2020. 

Sherry has cruise news: 

Listener Question: Should we take the future cruise credit or the full refund for our canceled cruise? 

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Thoughts or questions? doug@cruiseradio.net 

Most of us just accept the cruise contract and go on with our cruise vacation. But did you know there are some items buried in the ticket contract, otherwise known as the Contract of Carriage? We break down nine surprises you may find hidden in your long cruise ticket contract. 

Sherry has cruise news: 

Listener Question: We are a family of five and are all booked in the same cabin for late 2021. How involved is it to get our kids their own stateroom? - Lori, SD 

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Thoughts or questions? doug@cruiseradio.net 

A review of Norwegian Jade. This was not your average Norwegian Cruise Line sailing. The annual Star Trek cruise went to where no man has gone before. We get a comprehensive review of the cruise ship, the theme cruise, and the ports of call this ship went.

Sherry has cruise news: 

Listener Question: Is there any benefit of a solo cabin on NCL if it’s almost the same price as a regular cabin?

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Thoughts or questions? doug@cruiseradio.net 

A seven-night review of Carnival Panorama. As of 2020, this is the newest Vista-class cruise ship for Carnival Cruise Line. The seven-night Mexican Riveria cruises sailed from Long Beach, California. We get a detailed review from embarkation, the sailing experience, to the ports of call that were visited. 

Sherry has cruise news: 

Listener Question: Why won't it let me use onboard credit before my cruise? I'm trying to purchase the drink package before my sailing.

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Thoughts or questions? doug@cruiseradio.net 

A review of Celebrity Equinox for a seven-night Western Caribbean cruise. This was the last sailing the Equinox did before the shutdown. We get a review of the ship, the onboard experience, and what it was like sailing on the last voyage before the shutdown. 

Richard has cruise news: 

Listener Question: What can you tell us about Carnival's shore excursion best price guarantee? 

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Thoughts or questions? doug@cruiseradio.net 

A 2020 review of Norwegian Breakaway to the Eastern Caribbean. This was a seven-night honeymoon cruise was from PortMiami. On top of it being the start of a new life, this was the husband's first time ever on a cruise ship. We get a comprehensive review of the ports of call, the dining, entertainment, and the overall cruise experience. 

Richard has cruise news: 

• Cruise lines are now part of the 2020 cancel culture 
• The no-sail order has expired, but now we have a conditional sail order in its place 
• A new medical testing laboratory is on a Viking Ocean cruise ship 
• Upgrades have been spotted at Port Everglades during the shutdown 
• The Bahamas now requires a special health travel visa to visit 

Listener Question: Our Bahamas cruise was canceled for December, can we still fly to Nassau, Bahamas? - April

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Thoughts or questions? doug@cruiseradio.net 

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control announced on Friday that they would be lifting the no sail order on October 31. Cruise industry analyst Stewart Chiron stops by to break down what happens next and how long will it be until cruise ships will actually sail again in North America? 

Date: November 1, 2020

A five-night cruise out of Miami on Disney Cruise Line's Disney Magic. The cruise went out of PortMiami to the Bahamas. We get a comprehensive review of the ship and what Marvel at Sea days are like. This was the very last cruise for Disney before the cruise industry shutdown in the United States. 

Richard has cruise news on:

• Carnival Cruise Line also extended cancellations through November 2020 
• Mardi Gras completes sea trials in the Baltic Sea 
• Celebrity Apex arrives the Bahamas and readies for cruises 
• Another cruise ship debuted for the UK 
• Florida mayor reaffirms commitment to the cruise industry's restart 
• A cryptocurrency cruise ship could be coming soon 

Listener Question:  I have a Norwegian Cruise Line Cruise Next certificate, but it's about to expire. What should I do?

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Thoughts or questions? doug@cruiseradio.net 

Take a luxury cruise to the Baltic this week aboard Silversea Cruises' Silver Spirit. This was an 11-night Baltic Cruise. 

Richard has cruise news on:

• The CDC extends no sail order
• More Caribbean cruise cancellations 
• Mandatory testing for all cruise passengers and crew 
• New cruise ship heading for North America 
• Cruise ship captain smacks down an internet troll 

Listener Question: When will we see a more detailed view of what the new health protocols will look like by individual companies?

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Thoughts or questions? doug@cruiseradio.net 

This is a seven-night review of Celebrity Summit from San Juan to the Eastern Caribbean. The cruise was expected to sail round trip from Puerto Rico but due to COVID-19, authorities did not let the ship back into San Juan. Instead, the cruise ended in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. This seven-night cruise turned into a nine-night. 

Richard Simms has cruise news: 

• CDC and the cruise ship ban
• False Alarm on a European ship that resumed service last month. 
• Virgin Voyages pushed their return day back. 
• Carnival Mardi Gras is one step closer to Florida
• Princess Cruises takes delivery of its newest ship. 

Question: Is it true that you have to pay more for drinks while the ship is docked in port vs out to sea?

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Thoughts or questions? doug@cruiseradio.net 

Glenn Aprile is a member of the design team for Carnival Cruise Line's upcoming Mardi Gras. Recently they just developed a new atrium concept for the Grand Central zone of the ship. Glenn talks about the design concept and why certain changes were made. 

Date: September 27, 2020