We get a review of Carnival Cruise Line's Carnival Vista. This sailing was an eight-night Southern Caribbean cruise out of Miami, Florida. Ports of call included Grand Turk, Dominican Republic, Curacao, and Aruba. 

Stewart has cruise news on: 

• Royal Caribbean gratuity increase
• MSC star-studded christening 
• Carnival expands their easy-pay program 
• Norwegian unveils new app 
• What should we look for in 2018?

‘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 sunset 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!”

This week we get a detailed review of Celebrity Cruises' Celebrity Reflection in the Mediterranean. 

Stewart has cruise news on:

• Carnival Corporation's record-breaking earnings quarter and what it means for you. 
• Royal Caribbean excursion accident has 12 cruisers dead
• Norovirus outbreak on a cruise ship and by the numbers 
• Saint Maarten welcomes cruise ships back after hurricanes
• Carnival Fascination will undergo a multi-million dollar renovation 
• Norwegian Cruise Line announces 2019 cruise ship deployments 

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays! 

Thoughts or comments? doug@cruiseradio.net 

Greg gives us a review of the Carnival Cruise Line Tampa-based Carnival Paradise. This four night cruise went to Havana, which is one of Carnival's select Cuba voyages. 

Sherry has cruise news on: 

• Carnival Sunshine going to Charleston
• Carnival revamping their boarding passes
• MSC announced line up for christening
• Holland America's Eurodam earn perfect health score
• New Holland America ship floated out
• Royal Caribbean opens Megans Bay
• Norwegian Cruise Line ups gratuities on beverage and dining

Shelly from Cruising Excursions answers your questions on Mediterranean cruise shore excursions. 

Thoughts or comments? doug@cruiseradio.net 

Richard shares his seven-night review of Norwegian Cruise Line's New York City based Norwegian Breakaway. This cruise hit Orlando, private island Great Stirrup Cay, and Nassau, Bahamas. Being this is his fifth time sailing Norwegian Breakaway, Richard offers a unique perspective. 

Stewart Chiron the Cruise Guy has cruise news:

• Norwegian Cruise Line named Godfather of upcoming ship
• Carnival Cruise Line hikes drink package 
• Carnival adds news menu items, takes some away
• MSC Seaside is delivered and more ships announced 
• Princess Cruises names fourth Royal-class ship 

Listener Question:

When will St. Maarten be 100 percent recovered? Steve - Dallas

Thoughts or questions? doug@cruiseradio.net 

Scott just returned from a four-night Bahamas cruise on Carnival Conquest. You'll want to hear this review from a seasoned cruise, but first time sailing Carnival Cruise Line. 

Sherry has cruise news:

• NCL changes final payment due date
• Carnival changing up cruise ships in the Gulf of Mexico 
• Disney Magic will get an extensive renovation 
• Port Canaveral reached a milestone 

Listener Question: Going to the Western Caribbean next summer on Royal Caribbean and trying to decide between a passport card and a passport book - are there any advantages of one over the other?  Carl - Detroit 

Question or comment? doug@cruiseradio.net 

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

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

This week we are in New York City for the reveal of Royal Caribbean's big announcement that is claiming to revolutionize the way cruise vacations are booked and taken. 

Anthem of the Seas Review

We get a review of Royal Caribbean's NYC-based Anthem of the Seas on a Canada/New England itinerary. Kabir details the food, entertainment options, and that accommodations on the ship, along with the ports of call. 

Sherry Kennedy has cruise news: 

• Carnival Horizon completes sea trials 
• Royal Caribbean expands presence in Alaska 
• Grand Turk cruise port back open for business 
• Port Everglades expands Terminal 4 pier 
• St. Thomas sailings on the increase after the hurricane 
• Norwegian Gem cancels a cruise from New York City

Listener Questions: 

1. What is the difference between ship's time and local time? 

2. How to contact the ship if there is an emergency and need to connect with a stateroom. 

Question or comment? doug@cruiseradio.net 

We talk to Celebrity Chef Guy Fieri about his partnership with Carnival Cruise Line and the launch of the new sit down restaurant on Carnival Horizon, Guy's Pig and Anchor Smokehouse/Brewhouse. Plus, he answers some of your cruise and Guy's Burger Joint questions.

Sherry has cruise news on:

• The first cruise line that goes adults-only
• Disney Cruise Line is returning to the west coast
• Carnival Cruise Line is showcasing digital artwork on Carnival Horizon
• 23 countries. 40 ports. 90 days. Hear about this world cruise!  

Listener questions about a passenger with mobility issues and how accessible the private island with a wheelchair. Also about being lactose intolerant and cruising. 

With Norwegian Breakaway heading to the Baltic next year, we've been getting a lot of shore excursion questions on Northern Europe. Shelly from CruisingExcursions.com stops by to answer your Baltic cruise questions. 

Thoughts or questions? doug@cruiseradio.net 

We sit down and have a casual chat with John Heald, Senior Cruise Director and Brand Ambassador with Carnival Cruise Line. John talks about everything from weight loss struggles at sea to taking some of your listener questions. This was taped when sailing aboard Carnival Fascination in mid October.  

Sherry Kennedy answers some of your cruise questions on:

• Finding a better cruise deal and how to secure it
• Does it pay to stay loyal to one cruise line 
• Passport renewal deadlines

Thoughts or comments? doug@cruiseradio.net 

We get a review of Carnival Cruise Line's Carnival Victory on a Western Caribbean sailing from Miami. The ports of call on this sailing were Key West and Cozumel. 

Sherry Kennedy has cruise news:

• Cruise lines update the public on the state of the Caribbean islands impacted by this year's hurricanes
• FEMA charters Carnival Fascination
• New Guy Fieri sit-down venue coming to Carnival Horizon.
• Carnival Conquest gets an adults-only area.
• Royal Caribbean set to return to St. Thomas
• Royal Caribbean details upcoming ship

Questions or comments? doug@cruiseradio.net 

This is a news brief with Senior Cruise Director John Heald about Carnival Cruise Line chartering of one of their ships to FEMA to help in Hurricane relief because of Hurricane Irma and Hurricane Maria. I'm currently sailing aboard Carnival Fascination.

Thoughts or comments? doug@cruiseradio.net 

We talk with Adolfo Perez at Carnival Cruise Line about the latest refurbishment of Carnival Elation and why they are spending so much money on these ships that are 20 years old.

Richard Simms joins us with commentary about the beverage package increase with Norwegian Cruise Line and how it compares to the other packages out there. 

Tim gives us a review of his eight-night sailing on Caribbean Princess. 

Don gives us a full recap of his Cuba cruise with Norwegian Cruise Line from Port Miami. 

Comedian Tommy Davidson stops by to talk about the new season of Vacation Creation featuring Carnival Corporation. 

Sherry Kennedy has cruise news:

Sarah shares her six-night Western Caribbean cruise review aboard Carnival Cruise Line's Carnival Vista from Miami. This Caribbean sailing went to Cozumel, Ocho Rios, and Grand Cayman. This was Sarah's first time cruising in three years. 

Tommy Casabona from the Always Be Book Podcast weighs in on cruisers complaining about itinerary changes due to the recent hurricanes. 

Sherry Kennedy has cruise news: 

• Key West reopens since Hurricane Irma 
• Carnival Fascination is temporarily repositioning to Florida 
• Cunard Line is ordering new cruise ship 
• NCL donates money to hurricane relief 
• Listener question on cruise prices during hurricane season. 

Jessica and her family just returned from a sailing on Royal Caribbean's Oasis of the Seas, but this wasn't a normal sailing! Her cruise got extended because of Hurricane Irma. Jessica gives us her review of the ship, the itinerary, and her thoughts on sailing one of the world's largest cruise ships. 

Stewart has Cruise News on: 

• Eastern Caribbean update? (latest on the islands)
• FEMA charters cruise ships for national guard workers 
• Carnival says Grand Turk isn't quite ready to receive cruise ships. 
• Carnival Fascination delivers supplies to St. Maarten. 
• Work beings on fourth Princess Royal-class ship - details? 

Thoughts or comments? doug@cruiseradio.net 

We get a review of Norwegian Cruise Line's Norwegian Epic. Plus, Jake Williams from the Canceled series on YouTube talks about his latest project, Carnival Cruise Line's forgotten Pinnacle-class ship. 

Thoughts or questions? doug@cruiseradio.net 

We have an information-packed bonus episode this week as we get wall to wall coverage of Hurricane Irma and those impacted by the storm.

We talk with Sherry Kennedy from CruiseMaven.com about the efforts that Royal Caribbean and Norwegian Cruise Line are doing to send their ships to rescue stranded vacationers.

Simon Duvall from Cruiseline.com gives us an island assessment of the Eastern Caribbean islands of St. Thomas, St. John, Puerto Rico, St. Maarten, Grand Turk, and others that were in the path of the storm.

We also link up with a guest who is currently onboard Royal Caribbean's Oasis of the Seas, sailing a seven-night western Caribbean cruise. Due to Hurricane Irma, the ship has been forced to extend its sailing and will be returning to Port Canaveral a few days late. We get a glimpse of life onboard and how everyone is holding up.

Matt from Royal Caribbean Blog stops by to answer some questions about the cruise contract and passenger bill of rights during hurricanes, he chats with us about where cruise ships go during the storm, and what Royal Caribbean used Enchantment of the Seas for during the storm.

John Heald aired a Facebook Live video on Saturday evening to people impacted and in the way of Hurricane Irma.

Becky Smith is a travel agent who is rebooking a lot of clients who were scheduled to sail this past week. Becky chats with us about the reasons to use a travel agent (especially during hurricane season), how the cruise lines are compensating guests that are impacted by the storm, what particulars travel insurance would cover in a hurricane, and what you should know about booking a cruise during hurricane season.

On this episode, we talk with Cruiseline.com Community Manager Simon Duvall about Hurricane Irma and which Caribbean islands have been impacted so far.  

We touch on what a travel insurance policy might cover in a natural disaster situation like this.

Also a review from Ford of a western Caribbean cruise aboard Carnival Victory.

Cruise News:

• Carnival Corporation donates to Hurricane Harvey relief efforts
• Port Canaveral is building a new pier
• Carnival Horizon to have Teppanyaki specialty restaurant

 Thoughts or comments? doug@cruiseradio.net

We finally get to talk to an executive at Carnival Cruise Line and ask him some questions we've been dying to know about booking and other things. This is a pull the curtain back type of interview with Adolfo Perez.

We answer a listener question about buying cruise line stock and where to ship watch out of Port Canaveral if you want to stay there pre- or post-cruise. 

We'll also tackle some of your shore excursion questions with CruisingExcursions.com. 

Comments or suggestions? Email me: doug@cruiseradio.net

We talk to cruise ship architect, Joe Farcus. Joe has been designing ships for Carnival Cruise Line and Carnival Corporate brands for over 30 years. We had a chance to talk with him about some of his past work and how he designs the cruise ship. 

Note: If you've been listening to Cruise Radio for over six years, you have have heard this interview back in April 2011. It has been one of the most listened to episodes over the past few years so I wanted to make it a bonus episode. 

Thoughts or comments? doug@cruiseradio.net 

This week we get a review of Norwegian Cruise Line's Pride of America. Tommy Casabona stops by from the Always Be Book podcast to talk this past week's solar eclipse. 

Sherry Kennedy has cruise news: 

• Carnival extending their sailings to Cuba 
• Carnival is testing a new port day menu
• Royal Caribbean's Allure of the Seas has dreaded technical issues 
• San Juan is seeing record cruise traffic 

Thoughts or review? Email me doug@cruiseradio.net.

EDITED TO REMOVE TROPICAL STORM STORY ON AUG 24.

• New details on Norwegian Bliss

• Royal Caribbean names upcoming ship - details?

• Carnival ship missed a port because of propulsion issues - what happened?

• The Bahamas wants cruisers to spend more money.

• A class action cruise lawsuit is in the works - but this lawsuit isn't against the cruise lines. Check your phone number here.

• Is it possible to share a wifi package among friends?  - Diane from Fargo
• How does the disembarkation process work with getting back to the airport?  - Heather from Seattle

Questions or have a review? Email me: doug@cruiseradio.net. 

We get a review of a 10-night Eastern Caribbean cruise on Norwegian Cruise Line's Norwegian Gem. Craig gives us the details of the Norwegian Gem, what he thought of the ship and what he did on his Caribbean ports of call. 

Sherry Kennedy has cruise news on: 

• Carnival's Senior Cruise Director celebrates 30 years with the company 
• Captain Kirk to NCL: Save the Dolphins! 
• Carnival LIVE adds another performer for the fall 
• Why one cruise line is hiking cruise prices 
• Celebrity Cruises adds another female captain 

Listener Questions

• Room locations 
• Using Norwegian Cruise Line's bidding system

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

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 

Mitchell just returned from Disney Cruise Line's Disney Dream where he did a five-night honeymoon Bahamas cruise. Mitch is a seasoned cruiser and his wife has only been on one voyage prior to this sailing. We hear his thoughts on planning the cruise, dining, Castaway Cay, and the public areas aboard Disney Dream. One special feature on this cruise is that it stopped in Castaway Cay twice.

Cruise Critic just released their Cruiser's Choice Destination Awards for 2017. The award highlights the most popular cruise ports in every region. Ashley stops by to give us some of the highlights.

Sherry Kennedy has cruise news:

• Terminally ill cruise passenger is headed home thanks to some generous donations.  
• Carnival expands keyless embarkation
• Disney Cruise Line adds 7th ship
• MSC changing final payment policy
• Kid jumping in cruise ship pool from railing (for more, listen to our bonus episode released prior to this show)

Article link mentioned:

• Cruise Critic Cruiser's Choice Destination Awards

Show thoughts or suggestions? doug@cruiseradio.net 

One of the things seasoned cruisers complain about on a regular basis is “out of control” kids who seem to have absolutely no adult supervision whatsoever, and a disturbing video posted to YouTube seems to take this behavior to new heights. We talk to travel agent Scott Lara and contributor Richard Simms on their thoughts.

Read the article: https://cruiseradio.net/kid-jumps-cruise-deck-railing-pool/  

We talking to travel agent Scott Lara and contributor Richard Simms on their thoughts. 

Thoughts? Email me: doug@cruiseradio.net. 

We get a review of Carnival Cruise Line's Baltimore based Carnival Pride, on a seven night exotic Caribbean cruise. We get a run down of the ship, what makes Carnival Pride so unique, and how to deal with curve balls thrown your way during your cruise. 

Sherry Kennedy has cruise news on: 

• Sad news out of St. Maarten's famous airport beach - what happened? 
• Does Royal Caribbean have big plans for Independence of the Seas?
• Royal Caribbean sending another ship to Cuba
• This world cruise in 2020 lasts 131 nights

Answered a listener question about pre-paying gratuities and why it sometimes works out in your favor. 

Share your review: doug@cruiseradio.net. 

• Norwegian Cruise Line just made some announcements
• Carnival's third Vista-class is underway 
• Carnival hosts first social media powered bbq
• Royal Caribbean is testing a new drink program that is aligned with the other cruise lines
• Norwegian Cruise Line is ditching their Second City comedy partnership

Cruise lately? Come share your review. 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. 

Vickie joins us for a review of Princess Cruises' Royal Princess, a ship that first debuted in 2013 and has already been to dry dock. While in dry dock she underwent some much-needed modifications. We talk about the dining, the layout of the ship, tips for Royal Princess, and why you should always make your flight home after 12p (noon) on debark day. 

Thoughts or comments? doug@cruiseradio.net 

• Carnival is lowering their internet packages if you pre-purchase it - what new rates will we see? 
• Celebrity Cruises rolled out a new venue on their upcoming ship Celebrity Edge
• Princess is adding their wearable technology to more ships in the next couple years
• Royal Caribbean is rolling out a new non-refundable deposit program. A hotel brand is rolling out a cruise line - which hotel brand and what kind of vessels are we gonna see?
• A hotel brand is rolling out a cruise line - which hotel brand and what kind of vessels are we gonna see? 

Do you like to panel/debate format? Let me know: doug@cruiseradio.net. 

On this episode, we get a review of Carnival Cruise Line's Carnival Conquest on an eight-night Southern Caribbean sailing. 

Stewart has cruise news on:

• A tropical storm has diverted a couple Carnival ships - any major disruptions? 
• Cruise lines will keep sailings to Cuba - will we see any changes at all? 
• Royal Caribbean is making changes to their cancellation policy
• The first block of steel was laid for the upcoming Celebrity Edge. Would you consider this ship a game changer?
• How is cruise pricing looking in 2017? Are the "deals" over? 

Would love to get your cruise review: doug@cruiseradio.net. 

This interview proves that not everyone books a cruise based on the itinerary. James and his wife just returned from a Western Caribbean cruise on Royal Caribbean Liberty of the Seas, and barely got off the ship! He gives us a comprehensive review of the ship, dining, entertainment on the ship, and the ports of call on this Caribbean cruise.  

Kerry just returned from a 14-night cruise aboard Celebrity Eclipse out of Miami. This sailing was a bit longer than he was used to but he had a wonderful time with so many ports and days at sea. Kerry covers his impressions of Celebrity Eclipse, the dining, his stateroom, and the exotic ports of call.  

Sherry has cruise news:

• A new cruise ship will carry almost 7,000 passengers
• New stateroom class for Carnival Horizon
• Carnival has raised the prices on soda packages
• MSC Cruises takes delivery of their newest ship
• Fathom has sailed her last voyage as a cruise line

Share your cruise review on air: doug@cruiseradio.net. 

Did you know that maritime law requires a cruise ship to go into dry dock every five years? Neither did I. Disney Cruise Line's Disney Fantasy just got out of a two-week dry dock where she underwent massive renovations and was reimagined. Nancy Schretter was one of the first passengers onboard when the ship got back to Port Canaveral and goes into detail about the dry dock enhancements and how the ship is today. Also, we hear about Castaway Cay.  

• Carnival Cruise Line created the largest Guy Fieri hamburger at sea
• Carnival is sailing to Bermuda from another Florida port in 2017
• Holland America's upcoming ship is open for sailings 
• Princess Cruises sets their 2018-2019 Mexico, America, and Alaska itineraries up
• The Love Boat cast gets a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame 

Suggestions or thoughts, email me: doug@cruiseradio.net. 

Ryan and Lauren just returned from an eight night Southern Caribbean cruise on Carnival Sunshine from Port Canaveral, Florida. They give us their thoughts of the ship, what they thought of the dining, the itinerary, and overall layout of Carnival Sunshine. Turns out you shouldn't believe everything you read in the online reviews.

We caught up with former Tonight Show host and comedian Jay Leno, before he performed on a Carnival cruise ship in Cozumel, Mexico. Jay Leno gives me his thoughts on the ship, what he thinks of cruising, cars and some stories from the road. 

We get a review of Disney Cruise Line's Disney Magic. This wasn't an ordinary Disney sailing though, this cruise was one of their Frozen cruises (from the popular Disney movie) and sailed to the Norwegian Fjords. We get a bow to stern review of the ship, the experience, and the ports of call.  

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 

On this week's bonus episode, we sit down and have a conversation with former cruise line executive, Art Sbarksky. I first met Art on Norwegian Epic back in 2010, and we've seen each other all around the world since. Since retiring from the cruise industry, Art writes and reviews cruise ship. At last count, he has sailed 119 cruises.

This show is dedicated to Jeff. Rest in peace, my friend. 

Brad and his wife just returned from a Hawaii sailing on Norwegian Cruise Line's Pride of America. Pride of America spends the whole year sailing the Hawaiian islands on seven-night voyages. Brad gives us pre-cruise information, what it was like getting to Hawaii, the whole cruising experience, and the excursions he did. 

Stewart Chiron has cruise news on:

• Carnival debuting Dr. Seuss-themed water park 
• Norwegian Bliss entertainment is revealed 
• Norwegian add lifeguards 
• Royal Caribbean on first Cuba cruise - any word on how it's going?
• Silversea’s Silver Muse recently christened - what makes this the most luxurious ship in the world?

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

This week Ben review's Carnival Carnival Line's newest and hottest cruise ship, Carnival Vista. Ben sailed on a six-night Western Caribbean cruise that went to Cozumel, Ocho Rios, and Grand Cayman. We get a comprehensive review of the ship, what he did once on board, the cruise ship dining, and entertainment. Ben also touches on some cool excursions he did while in the Western Caribbean.

Today's bonus episode is a review of Holland America's ms Westerdam on a seven-night Mexican Riviera voyage. Bruce bought his girlfriend onboard, who was a first-time cruiser. We discuss the dining, entertainment, ports of call, stateroom, and how his girlfriend liked her very first cruise to Mexico!

• United Airlines incident - could this happen to us cruising? 
• Carnival making aft pools kid friendly 
• Caribbean Princess has resurfaced after a massive dry dock 
• Majestic Princess not going to be in Asia year round 
• What's the cruise climate in Europe for this summer - are there any good deals to be had? 

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

We get a review from a four-night sailing on Carnival Cruise Line's Fantasy-class Carnival Imagination. The ship recently underwent a dry dock, getting some Fun Ship 2.0 enhancements like Guy's Burger Joint, BlueIguana Cantina, Alchemy Bar and others. Sherri gives us a comprehensive review. 

Sherry Kennedy has cruise news on:

• Carnival Breeze is going into dry dock soon - what will she get? 
• Carnival Elation recently scored 100 percent on a health inspection - what is a USPH inspection? 
• Princess Cruises and Holland America have a sale where they are paying your tips - is this the same as NCLs ongoing sale? 
• Royal Caribbean detailed their 2018 itineraries - anything stick out?
• Celebrity is bringing the cruise experience to a city near you? 

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

• Virgin Voyages starts construction on their first cruise ship
• Norwegian Crusie Line details a new class of ships 
• Norwegian raises their daily surcharge 
• Carnival expands the Fun Hub app to more ships 
• You can now cruise to the Titanic 

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

We get a review of Royal Caribbean's Port Canaveral-based Oasis of the Seas. Launched as one of the world's largest cruise ships, Oasis is now sailing from Central Florida. Tommy gives us a comprehensive review of this eastern Caribbean cruise.

• Celebrity Cruises new class of ship
• Carnival Horizon completes another milestone 
• Holland America makes some enhancements on six ships, plus a new venue 
• Discuss two spring breakers jet skiing in the way of Carnival Magic over the weekend 
• And talk about a cruise ship getting to close to land 

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

We get a review of Disney Cruise Line's Disney Wonder from Port Canaveral, Florida. Hear about the ship, dining, entertainment, and the two ports of call. Also on this episode, we also talk in detail about Disney private island Castaway Cay. 

Stewart Chiron has cruise news on: 

• Royal Caribbean's new ship announcement
• Private island Coco Cay building a pier
• MSC debuts RFID technology
• Carnival Splendor technical issues 

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

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. 

MSC Divina certainly gets mixed reviews. Hear our latest review of MSC Cruises from a couple who spent seven nights on MSC Divina. 

Sherry has cruise news on: 

• Carnival adds 13 longer sailings
• Disney Cruise Line reveals new itineraries for 2018
• Holland America raises daily tips
• Princess Cruises debuting Ocean Medallion class on fourth ship
• NCL dropping the prices of bottled water cases

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

Cruise Guy has news on:

On this episode, we hear from Kelli about her recent trip aboard Carnival Freedom. This four-night sailing from Galveston, TX was a Cozumel plus sailing, meaning that it had extra time in Cozumel. Kelli gives us a bow to stern review of Carnival Freedom, plus goes into detail about the dining and her time ashore in Cozumel. 

Sherry Kennedy has cruise news on: 

• Carnival Ecstasy gets major refurbishments 
• Carnival expands popular seafood shack 
• Royal Caribbean opens up more Cuba sailings with overnight stays
• MSC Cruises celebrates another milestone

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

John and his wife just returned from a Caribbean cruise aboard Celebrity Reflection. On this episode, we get a full blown review of Reflection, including thoughts on the stateroom, dining options, entertainment on-board, and the ports of call.

• Carnival announces the homeport for Carnival Horizon - where is she going and what kind of itineraries will we see?
• NCL changes the loyalty program - any major changes?
• Royal Caribbean now doing onboard scuba certifications - how does this program work?
• Princess invites you to take a bed home!

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

We answer some of your questions about cruise ship tipping. We cover the tipping process, if you should remove your tips when traveling with an infant, and who you need to be careful when tipping. Sheri from CruiseTipsTV tackles all your questions.

Kris recently returned from Royal Caribbean's Serenade of the Seas, a 13-night cruise in the Baltic. Kris recounts his experiences, talks to us about the dining and food, as well as ports. This sailing on had one sea day and the itinerary sounds fabulous! 

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

We dropped in on the conference with the President of Carnival Corporation, Arnold Donald, to discuss their new Ocean Medallion they are launching on Princess Cruises. This wearable device is designed to enhance your cruise experience. 

We get a review of Carnival Vista, Carnival Cruise Line's newest and most innovative ship. Hear all about the dining options, what to do on-board, and how to make the most out of your time on-board. 

• Carnival Cruise Line calling to Princess Cays starting in 2007
• Norwegian Bliss will seasonally homeport in Florida 
• Staggered check-in being rolled out to more cities 
• Holland America ship gets perfect health inspection score 
• Wave season update: top three cruise sales happening in January. 

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

On this episode we get a review of Norwegian Cruise Line's Norwegian Escape. Hear a detailed review of this massive ship, the dining options, entertainment, and staterooms. 

Sherry Kennedy has cruise news on: 

• Carnival Corporation's announcement on their new digital technology rolling out on Princess Cruises 
• Royal Caribbean wants to send you onboard and pay you to take pictures 
• Listener question: Can we bring a power strip on the ship? 
• Listener question: Should I prepay my tips? 

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

On this week's bonus episode, we get some tips and an overview of some Med cruise ports. Vickie shares her pre-cruise thoughts, getting over there, and how to make the most out of your time in Europe. 

Read about Vickie's journeys on her blog: http://www.vickiecruises.com/

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