This month we've seen a lot of cruise cancellations and delays. We answer questions on the delays and recouping lost money. Dan Skilken from TripInsurance.com answers questions regarding the Carnival Cruise Line ship Mardi Gras that has been delayed and canceled eight sailings, and Carnival Glory. This is great to know about sailing in the future.

Sherry Laskin stops by with cruise news: 

• Carnival increases drink package price 
• Royal Caribbean homeports new ship in the Mediterranean 
• Details on Virgin Voyages special onboard credit offer 
• Asbestos found on three cruise ships

Listener Question: I am blind and wanting to cruise again for the first time in years. What does Carnival Cruise Line offer in terms of menus for the visually impaired? 

Date: December 29, 2019

A detailed review of Carnival Panorama. This is Carnival Cruise Line's latest ship that debuted in Long Beach, California in December 2019. We cover the new ship from bow to stern and give details on all the new spaces added to the ship. 

Thoughts or questions? doug@cruiseradio.net 

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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

We get a review of a seven-night Bahamas cruise on Norwegian Bliss from New York City. The cruise went to Nassau, Port Canaveral, and Great Stirrup Cay. Norwegian Bliss was launched in 2018 from Norwegian Cruise Line. 

Sherry has cruise news on: 

• Holland America ship cancels sailing from Port Everglades 
• Royal Caribbean will bring a mega-ship to Texas 
• Cruising is only getting bigger according to a new report
• Port Everglades breaks a cruise world record 
• Carnival says watch what you wear onboard

Listener Question: Best places to stay before sailing out of Long Beach?

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Thoughts or questions? doug@cruiseradio.net 

We are onboard Carnival Cruise Line's brand new ship, Carnival Panorama. This was on the inaugural cruise that went from Long Beach, California to Ensenada, Mexico. 

Date: December 14, 2019

Trip Reports:

• Day 1: https://cruiseradio.net/trip-report-carnival-panorama-embarkation-day/
• Day 2: https://cruiseradio.net/trip-report-carnival-panorama-fun-day-at-sea/
• Christening coverage: https://cruiseradio.net/behind-the-fun-of-carnival-cruise-lines-big-night-photos/
• Carnival Kitchen review: https://cruiseradio.net/review-carnival-kitchen-on-carnival-panorama/

A review of Princess Cruises' Caribbean Princess. This was a repositioning cruise from Canada to Port Everglades. 

Sherry has cruise news on: 

• Carnival Panorama christening 
• Royal Caribbean deadly accident 
• Virgin Voyages completes sea trials
• Guy's Burger Joint now serving breakfast
• Sky Princess christened in Port Everglades 

Listener Q: Gratuities and how to deal with them?

MSC Cruises opened its private island Ocean Cay Marine Reserve on December 5, and we talk all things new island with Ken Musket, COO of MSC Cruises USA. 

Plus, a brief chat with a passenger who was on board MSC Meraviglia with us, and his experience. 

Date: December 8, 2019 

A fall 2019 review of Disney Magic. This was a cruise out of Manhattan that went over to Bermuda. We get a bow to stern review, as well as what it's like to travel on Disney Cruise Line as a single parent. 

Staff writer Richard Simms answers some listener questions on how to win free cruises by playing in the casino, and is it really as easy as you think? Richard tackles your questions from his experience. 

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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 

This is a review of Celebrity Cruises recently refurbished Celebrity Summit. This was a seven-night Southern Caribbean cruise from San Juan, Puerto Rico. We get a detailed bow-to-stern review of the cruise ship and the ports of call. 

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Thoughts or questions? doug@cruiseradio.net 

Art Sbarsky is a retired cruise industry executive who spent years working for Celebrity Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line and Crystal Cruises. We caught up with him in the Observation Lounge on Norwegian Encore. 

You can listen to Art Sbarsky’s last interview with us here (click the link): http://traffic.libsyn.com/cruiseradioshow/BONUS3APR3017.mp3 

Want to hear more shows like this? Let me know: doug@cruiseradio.net. 

A 2019 review of Royal Caribbean's Allure of the Seas. 

Answering your shore excursion questions. 

Richard has cruise news on: 

• Carnival gives more details on the roller coaster for Mardi Gras
• Celebrity adding an all-female navigation team for National Woman's Day 
• Virgin Voyage detailing new ship and itinerary 
• Royal Caribbean adding new Caribbean sailings 
• Norwegian opening new section of Great Stirrup Cay 

Listener Question: Is it true that NCL gives free cruises with their loyalty program?

Sherry Laskin stops by with her weekend update. We talk about Carnival Cruise Line switching up its soda selection from Coke to PepsiCo. Also, MSC Cruises delaying the grand opening of their private island again. And we talk about a travel insurance story that a listener sent in. Dan Skilken from TripInsurance.com stops by to help unpack the story and what could have been done differently. The devil is in the details of travel insurance policies. 

Date: November 17, 2019

We get a three-night review of Disney Cruise Line's Disney Dream. This sailing left out of Port Canaveral, Florida and went to Disney's private island Castaway Cay and Nassau, Bahamas. 

Sherry has cruise news on: 

• MSC Cruises delaying their private island
• Carnival Cruise Line letting you finance your cruise 
• Celebrity Cruise ship running aground 
• The founder of Royal Caribbean passing away 
• A well known Carnival Cruise Line captain passing away

Listener Question: Will cruise lines reimburse you if it rains during your excursion? 

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Thoughts or questions? doug@cruiseradio.net 

A review of Carnival Cruise Line's Conquest-class ship Carnival Freedom. This was a seven-night Western Caribbean cruise from Galveston, Texas. This sailing went to Ocho Rios, Jamaica; Georgetown, Grand Cayman; and Cozumel, Mexico. 

Date: November 10, 2019

A 10-night review of Princess Cruises' Crown Princess. This was a Southern Caribbean cruise. Crown Princess is one of the ships that now features the Ocean Medallion program. 

Sherry has cruise news:

• Carnival Panorama is heading to North America 
• PortMiami is getting a train station 
• MSC Cruises makes two announcements 
• A cruise ship has a $200,000 mattress 

Listener Question: THoughts on getting an air BNB in Miami? - Leah 

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Thoughts or questions? doug@cruiseradio.net 

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

• Carnival Cruise Line is changing the rules to its exclusive Havana area
• Carnival announced a "new" ship in Alaska
• Norwegian Cruise Ship is about to undergo a massive makeover
• Tampa is testing new port security feature
• Royal Caribbean is developing another new destination
• New ship round-up for Florida

This is a review of an eleven-night cruise on Celebrity Eclipse from Vancouver to Hawaii. This cruise had five sea days upfront then four ports in a row with a couple of overnights. 

Date: October 27, 2019

A 2019 review of a Western Caribbean cruise aboard Carnival Dream. This was a seven-night cruise out of New Orleans.

Rob is answering your listener questions on cruise excursions in Iceland, Vietnam, Aruba, and Cozumel. 

Sherry has cruise news on: 

• New rule makes it harder from cruise crew to get off the ship 
• Guests get booted off Royal Caribbean ship for a dangerous act 
• Royal Caribbean is getting rid of a cruise ship 
• Also debuting new spa suites
• Carnival Cruise Line changes up safety video

Listener question: What is the difference between a cove balcony and a standard balcony cabin on Carnival Cruise Line?

 Thoughts or questions? doug@cruiseradio.net 

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 

A review of a seven-night Western Caribbean cruise onboard Royal Caribbean's Symphony of the Seas. This was a cruise from Port Miami that departed from the brand new Terminal A. We get a detailed review of the itinerary. 

Sherry Laskin has cruise news: 

• Cruise line takes paid priority access program fleetwide
• Royal Caribbean names new ship and homeport
• Cruise ship makes history in Manhattan
• Carnival Ecstasy just completed a dry dock
• This cruise is building their 249th cruise ship

Guests onboard Norwegian Spirit missed five ports in Northern Europe because of bad weather and the guests onboard did not appreciate it. Even though the weather is beyond the cruise lines control, these guests were no thrilled and staged a riot in the ship's main atrium. After hours of protesting, Norwegian Cruise Line eventually gave them a 25% future cruise credit.

Matt Rogers is currently sailing on Norwegian Spirit and we get the details live on location. And Stewart Chiron, American's Most Quoted Cruise Expert stops by the give details of the cruise contract. 

Date: October 13, 2019

A review of Celebrity Cruises' ship, Celebrity Infinity. This was a seven-night Mediterranean cruise. 

Sherry Laskin has cruise news on: 

• Princess Cruises names new ship
• Norwegian Cruise Line is going through changes 
• Celebrity is jumping on the fee bandwagon for a drink package
• A new addition to Perfect Day at CocoCay coming soon 
• Norwegian's newest ship is getting closer to North America 

Listener Question: How important it is to have an itinerary with Glacier Bay vs cruising to Tracy Arm or Hubbard?

Thoughts or questions? doug@cruiseradio.net 

A review of a family who sailed on MSC Cruises' MSC Seaside on a seven-night Eastern Caribbean cruise. A couple of things make this interview unique. AJ and his wife are both legally blind, and they stayed in the yacht club with their two children. The also missed a port of call because of political unrest in San Juan, Puerto Rico. We get the details of the sailing and see if MSC has improved their North American experience over the years. 

Date: October 6, 2019

A 2019 review of Royal Caribbean's Anthem of the Seas. This is a nine-night Canada/New England itinerary from Bayonne, New Jersey. 

Sherry has cruise news on: 

• Carnival Corporation details two new Bahamas projects 
• Cruises ship rescues stranded boaters sinking yacht
• Caribbean island tightens passport requirements
• Norwegian Cruise Line eliminates all plastic water bottles
• Disney Cruise Line returns to this gulf coast port

Pros and Cons of our Canada/New England cruise aboard Carnival Sunrise. The ports of call on this sailing were Halifax, Nova Scotia; Saint John, New Brunswick; Portland, Maine; and Boston, Massachusetts. 

Date: September 29, 2019

A review of Carnival Magic. Carnival Magic is a Carnival Dream-class ship that sails year-round Caribbean cruises from Florida. This sailing was a 14-night back-to-back, which broke down to two cruises, a six and eight-night sailing. 

Answering your cruise excursion questions. 

Richard has cruise news on:

• Royal Caribbean refurbing another cruise ship 
• Carnival Cruise Line and Port Miami announcement 
• Carnival ship forced to spend the night in Nassau 
• Celebrity Cruises reverses policy change 
• Royal Caribbean modifies a perk they cut 
• Ships return to Freeport, Bahamas 

Listener Q: What is the deal with Carnival Cruise Line's drink package when sailing out of New York City? 

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A review of a nine-night Baltic cruise on Norwegian Getaway. Getaway was launched in 2014 with Norwegian Cruise Line. The ship underwent a renovation in early 2019 to get some new enhancements like Norman's Pour House bar and a Starbucks. 

Date: September 22, 2019 

We get a back to back review of two Princess Cruise ships. Coral Princess and Ruby Princess. These were loyalty program building cruises for these guests. Princess Cruises accepts the number of cruises or cruise days sailed for their loyalty program. They started their voyage in Los Angelos, sailed to Vancouver, and then to Seattle on two different ships. Hear their experience. 

Date: September 15, 2019

A review of Celebrity Cruises' Celebrity Reflection. This is a Solstice-class ship that was launched in 2012. Reflection sails seasonally in North America and Europe, depending on the time of year. 

Sherry Laskin has cruise news on: 

• Carnival returns to Half Moon Cay and Princess Cays 
• Norwegian Cruise Line tests a new program 
• New data shows the cheapest time to book a cruise 
• Upcoming Princess cruise ship completes milestone

Listener Question: What are the pros and cons of booking my airfare through the cruise line?

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Thoughts or questions? doug@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. 

A review of Royal Caribbean's Serenade of the Seas on a 10 night Eastern Caribbean cruise. 

Sherry Laskin has cruise news: 

• Disney names new ship 
• Norwegian ends a Florida cruise in another state
• More hybrid-powered cruise ships 
• This cruise is over 200+ days 

Listener: Can I make my flight on time embarkation morning? 

Answering your travel insurance questions during hurricane season.  

Thoughts or questions? doug@cruiseradio.net 

Support our sponsor: Audible

Get a free audiobook download and a 30-day trial at http://audibletrial.com/cruise.

A detailed review of a seven-night Eastern Caribbean cruise on Carnival Fascination, a ship that is based year-round out of San Juan, Puerto Rico. 

Date: September 1, 2019

A seven-night Western Caribbean cruise review aboard Norwegian Breakaway. Since Breakaway was first launched in 2013, she has been all over the world. As of August 2019, she is based in Miami, Florida. 

Sherry has cruise news on: 

• Carnival Cruise Line guest that rolled off the pier in St. Thomas 
• Royal Caribbean refurbishing their Freedom of the Seas 
• Princess Cruises has a new stage show 
• Pier repairs are forcing Carnival Sunrise to use a new pier in NYC

Listener Question: Buying the drink package when only one of us drinks. 

Thoughts or questions? doug@cruiseradio.net 

Support our sponsor: Audible

Get a free audiobook download and a 30-day trial at http://audibletrial.com/cruise.

We talk go off the record with a cruise ship crew member to find out what life is like below deck, how gratuities are really distributed, and how they get paid. 

Date: August 25, 2019

On this episode, we get a review of Royal Caribbean's Mariner of the Seas that stopped in Nassau and Perfect Day at CocoCay. 

Sherry Laskin has cruise news: 

• Carnival Cruise Line updates SkyRide closure 
• Royal Caribbean will double-dip at CocoCay 
• Princess Cruises adds highspeed wifi to more ships 
• Virgin Voyages releases more itineraries through 2021
• Norwegian Cruise Line's newest ship completed a milestone

Listener Question: When will my guaranteed room be assigned with Royal Caribbean. And once it's assigned, can I change it? 

Rob answers some shore excursion questions about Northern Europe and Mediterranean cruise itineraries. 

Thoughts or questions? doug@cruiseradio.net 

Support our sponsor: Audible

Get a free audiobook download and a 30-day trial at http://audibletrial.com/cruise.

Stewart Chiron, America's Most Quoted Cruise Expert, stops by to share his thoughts on the Venice cruise ship ban, cruise line pricing, investing money in private islands in the Bahamas, and a look ahead at the cruise industry. 

Date: August 18, 2019

We get a 2019 review of Celebrity Equinox. This ship is currently sailing Caribbean cruises out of Port Everglades. This was a seven-night sailing to the Eastern Caribbean islands that went to St. Thomas, San Juan, Tortola, and St. Maarten. 

Sherry Laskin has cruise news: 

• Cruise line banning door decorations 
• Carnival ship fails USPH inspection 
• Florida port gets another cruise ship
• Royal Caribbean waves BYE with big hand 
• The largest vow renewal at sea could happen in 2020 

Listener Qs 

1. Booking through a travel agent versus direct through the cruise line?

2. Affordable parking at Port Canaveral?

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Support our sponsor: Audible

Get a free audiobook download and a 30-day trial at http://audibletrial.com/cruise.

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 

We get a review of a four-night cruise to Bermuda on Carnival Sunrise. Sunrise is Carnival Cruise Line's second Sunshine-class ship that is spending the summer in New York City before repositioning to Florida in late 2019. 

Sherry has cruise news on: 

• Half Moon Cay is getting a makeover 
• Topher from Jack's Shack 
• Royal Caribbean is going vegan 
• Cruise Industry News released some mind-blowing numbers

Listener Question: What do you think is the best way to get from Miami’s airport to a Fort Lauderdale hotel? And can you recommend a hotel?

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Support our sponsor: Audible

Get a free audiobook download and a 30-day trial at http://audibletrial.com/cruise.

On this rewind episode, we go answer your listener questions. Norwegian Cruise Line steakhouse, getting on a ship to take a tour without sailing, cruising with a disability, Royal Caribbean's The Key Program, and issues with New York travel insurance. 

Submit your questions to doug@cruiseradio.net. 

Date: August 4, 2019

A review of Holland America's latest ship the Nieuw Statendam on a seven-night Eastern Caribbean cruise. 

Sherry has cruise news on: 

• Propulsion issues slow down more Allure of the Seas sailings
• Carnival lowers Faster to the Fun on two cruise ships 
• Cruise over-tourism becoming a problem again
• Princess Cruises rolls out their first jazz club
• A brawl lands two arrested on a cruise ship  

Listener Questions: 

1. How strict is Carnival with boarding times at Port Canaveral? 

2. Suggestions for snorkeling in Nassau, Bahamas? 

Thoughts or questions? doug@cruiseradio.net 

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Support our sponsor: Audible

Get a free audiobook download and a 30-day trial at http://audibletrial.com/cruise.

What is it like sailing Cunard's Queen Mary 2. Sharon just returned from a seven-night sailing from New York City to Canada/New England and she talks about her sailing as a first-timer sailing Cunard Line. She discusses what it was like sailing Cunard line and how it differs from the mass market cruise lines that she is used to sailing. 

Date: July 28, 2019 

Support our sponsor: Audible

Get a free audiobook download and a 30-day trial at http://audibletrial.com/cruise.

We get a review of Carnival Cruise Line's New Orleans based Carnival Valor on a cruise to Cozumel and Progresso, Mexico. 

Sherry has cruise news on: 

• Carnival has crew gratitude video series 
• Celebrity cruise ship lost power
• Carnival Panorama completes sea trials 
• MSC debuts new island in video 
• Chair hogs go to court

Listener Question: How can I find cheap air for my European cruise?

Rob answers some European cruise excursion questions. 

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Support our sponsor: Audible

Get a free audiobook download and a 30-day trial at http://audibletrial.com/cruise.

Joseph Farcus is a legend in the cruise industry. He designed every Carnival Cruise Line ship from 1977 to 2011, and stayed with Carnival Corporation until he retired in 2014.

Joseph recently published a book called Design on the High Seas, and he joins me to talk about the book and gives us a look behind the curtain.

He also discusses how he designed the signature Carnival funnel, why so many Carnival Cruise Line ships have neon and other questions.

Amazon link to Design on the High Seas. 

Date: July 21, 2019 

Support our sponsor: Audible

Get a free audiobook download and a 30-day trial at http://audibletrial.com/cruise.

A review of Norwegian Cruise Line's Norwegian Bliss on a seven-night cruise. We get a comprehensive review of this Breakaway-plus class ship from a guest who traveled solo. Bliss spends the summers in Alaska and winters sailing the Caribbean. 

We answer your travel insurance questions regarding sailing during hurricane season, the difference between credit card insurance and a regular policy, and the cut off line for buying a travel insurance policy. 

Sherry has cruise news on: 

• Political unrest diverts cruise ships from San Juan
• Allure of the Seas getting a massive makeover
• Carnival is beefing up Bermuda calls 
• Western Caribbean beaches are still struggling with seaweed
• Tropical Storm diverts, extends, and shortens Caribbean cruises 

Listener Question: We are light sleepers, can you recommend a deck that we won't hear much noise from the engine, dining, or elevators? 

Support our sponsor: Audible

Get a free audiobook download and a 30-day trial at http://audibletrial.com/cruise.

We get a review of Carnival Victory, a ship that sails three and four nights out of Miami, Florida. This was a three-night Bahamas cruise. Matt gives us a bow to stern overview of the ship and what he did in the Bahamas. In 2020, Carnival Victory will undergo a $200 million dry dock to become Carnival Radiance. 

Richard has cruise news: 

• Toddler falls from Royal Caribbean ship balcony 
• Royal Caribbean honors drinking pricing error 
• Royal Caribbean ship heads to New Orleans 
• Norwegian Cruise Line app goes fleetwide 
• Carnival Cruise Line rolls out brunch menu to more ships
• Carnival starts recycling soap by the end of July 2019

Listener Question: What cruise ship do we pick, Anthem of the Seas or Norwegian Bliss? 

Support our sponsor: Audible

Get a free audiobook download and a 30-day trial at http://audibletrial.com/cruise.

A review of one of Royal Caribbean's Freedom-class cruise ships, Independence of the Seas. This was a four-night cruise out of Port Everglades over to Cozumel, Mexico. Mike gives a detailed review of the cruise and what the ship was like.

Sherry has cruise news on:

• Carnival Panorama is one step closer to the USA 
• A new cruise exhibit is on the Queen Mary in Long Beach 
• Enchanted Princess will debut in exactly a year - where is it going? 
• MSC Cruises is now including their gratuity in the price of the cruise fare

Listener Question: I bought the beverage package for an upcoming NCL sailing, and pre paid the 20% gratuity already. Am I going to be charged more when I am on the ship?

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Support our sponsor: Audible

Get a free audiobook download and a 30-day trial at http://audibletrial.com/cruise.

Going behind the headlines on this week's cruise industry news.

• Royal Caribbean's pricing error on the drink package, will they eventually make good on it?
• Carnival Cruise Line changes their specialty dining program - what's going to be different?
• A first for the cruise industry dry dock is going to happen with Carnival Vista on July 12.
• And Norwegian Cruise Line has canceled their July 5 sailing because of unforeseen mechanical issues. 

Date: July 3, 2019

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This week we go back to an interview that Matt and I did back in January 2012. This was when the cruise ship Costa Concordia sank off the coast of Italy. We interviewed a passenger who was on the ship at the time of sinking and he gave us a play-by-play of what actually happened. 

Support our sponsor: Audible

Get a free audiobook download and a 30-day trial at http://audibletrial.com/cruise.

This week we get a review of Carnival Sunshine on a sailing that went to Grand Turk and Amber Cove. We get a comprehensive review of the food, shows, the layout of the cruise ship, and the ports of call. 

Sherry has cruise news on: 

• Carnival guests airlifted after a bus overturned in the Bahamas
• Norwegian Cruise Line is stopping the open bar on two cruise ships
• MSC Cruises gives more details on the new private island
• Virgin Voyages details Rock Star Suites 
• Listener Q: The ship casino on a California Coastal Cruise and reporting earnings. 

Tommy was on the very last cruise ship into Cuba. He talks about what it was like being there when the Cuba ban was announced and also gives us a review of Norwegian Sky. Norwegian Sky sails year-round from Miami, Florida. 

Tommy is the host of the Always Be Booked podcast. 

This week we discuss the new features added to Carnival Mardi Gras, get a review of Holland America Line's ms Koningsdam, interview a travel insurance expert about medivac coverage, and get cruise news with Sherry Laskin. 

Sherry has cruise news on: 

• Guest being kicked off a Norwegian Cruise Line ship 
• Carnival Vista having more technical issues
• Disney cruise ship being revamped 
• Port Canaveral wins port award
• Listener Q: Is the NCL free airfare promotion really worth it? 

This week on Cruise Radio Rewind we put together a panel to compare the drink packages between Norwegian Cruise Line, Carnival Cruise Line, and Royal Caribean. Tommy Casabona from the Always Be Booked podcast and writer Richard Simms are my guests to discuss the beverage packages.

Let me know your thoughts: doug@cruiseradio.net. 

 A review of Carnival Cruise Line's Carnival Sunrise. This ship just underwent a $200 million renovation and is now sailing from New York City for the Summer and Fall of 2020. We get a comprehensive review of the new staterooms, food venues, and entertainment on the ship. 

Sherry has cruise news: 

• A woman went overboard on Norwegian Cruise Line's Epic over the weekend in the Mediterranean Sea
• Carnival Cruise Line ship rescues stranded fishermen 
• Carnival Panorama added to Faster to the Fun pricing 
• Norwegian Cruise Line's Getaway just got new features 
• Cruise ships are heading to the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo

Listener Q: I'm wondering how many actually swim or sit by the pool on an Alaskan cruise? - Sue 

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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. 

We get a review of Norwegian Cruise Line's Norwegian Pearl. This was a 13-night transatlantic cruise from New York City to Amsterdam.

Since the cruise was so long, we were able to find out what the ship was like during multiple sea days with no stone left unturned.

Sherry has cruise news: 

• Cruises to Cuba are officially canceled
• MSC Cruise ship crashed into a dock in Venice over the weekend
• Carnival Cruise Line got slapped with a big fine for violating probation
• Another Celebrity Cruise underwent a refurbishment

Listener Q: What is the weather like in Alaska in July?

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We get a very detailed review of Celebrity Edge this week. Kerry and his wife just sailed a 14-night back-to-back Eastern and Western Caribbean cruise on Celebrity Cruises' newest vessel. 

Sherry has cruise news: 

• Carnival Sunrise christened in New York City
• Big news for Port Canaveral and Disney Cruise Line
• Carnival blimp is back in the airport to celebrate summer
• Carnival Splendor spent an extra night in Long Beach because of technical issues

Listener Q: Is Royal Caribbean's The Key program worth it for a three-night cruise on Mariner of the Seas? Also, how is the traffic in Port Canaveral on embarkation day?

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Carnival Cruise Line christened Carnival Sunrise on Thursday, May 23 in New York City. We were at the christening celebration and have interviews from the scene. 

On this episode we hear from: 

• Kathie Lee Gifford, former spokeswoman for Carnival Cruise Line 
• Carnival Brand Ambassador John Heald 
• The Flying Scotsman, Carnival Sunrise Cruise Director 
• Writer Richard Simms

For more check out the Cruise Radio YouTube Channel, Twitter, Instagram and Facebook. 

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We get a review of Carnival Cruise Line's Spirit-class ship, Carnival Legend. This was a seven-night sailing to Alaska that left from Seattle, Washington. We get a detailed review of the Carnival Alaska cruise experience, what the ship was like, and why this class of ship is so popular.

Action News Meteorologist Greg Dee gives us an update on all the questions we've been receiving about Bermuda cruises and the first named storm of the 2019 Atlantic Hurricane Season. 

Sherry Laskin has cruise news on:

• Carnival Cruise Line ship comes to the rescue
• Royal Caribbean just announced a major refurbishment 
• A retired fisherman came to the rescue of the tragic plane crash in Alaska that killed six 
• Nassau is considering changing their cruise ship dumping laws

Listener Question: Anytime dining on Norwegian Cruise Line.

And we answer some of your shore excursion questions with CruisingExcursions.com. 

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Review of Royal Caribbean's Navigator of the Seas and the grand opening of The Perfect Day at Coco Cay from Tommy. Tommy is the host of the Always Be Booked cruise podcast. 

Sherry has cruise news on: 

• Plane crash that killed six cruise guests 
• Celebrity Cruises getting adding new dining concepts 
• Royal Caribbean brings another ship to the Caribbean 
• Carnival Cruise Line swaps out a lot of ships 
• New transportation option to Port Everglades and Miami 

Listener question: Have you ever gone on a cruise at the end of December and is the ship decorated for Christmas? Also, how’s the weather in Nassau I’m afraid I wasted $$ on an excursion and it won’t be warm enough. - Sierra

Watch the Carnival Sunrise video tour here. 

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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. 

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 Carnival Cruise Line's Carnival Breeze. This ship was launched in 2012 and currently sails year-round from Port Canaveral, Florida. This was a seven-night Eastern Caribbean cruise that went to Grand Turk, San Juan, St. Thomas, and Amber Cove. 

Sherry has cruise news on: 

• Another cruise line hikes gratuities 
• Carnival Sunrise is now sailing from the east coast 
• We could see another world's largest cruise ship 
• Mobile passport is now adding an optional fee 
• A unique partnership with MSC Cruises 

Listener question: I have a question about the Carnival loyalty program. I currently have 22 nights with Carnival, making me red level. You need 25 nights to reach gold level, which I will receive in the MIDDLE of my next cruise. When does my gold status activate? 

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A review of Norwegian Getaway, a Norwegian Cruise Line cruise ship that is currently based in Manhattan. 

Sherry has cruise news: 

• Norwegian Cruise Line has a new cruise ship on the west coast
• Disney Cruise Line has a new captain 
• 911 operators were fired after calling in sick to cruise 
• Carnival Corporation in hot water of environmental issues
• Nassau warns visitors not to rent scooters and bikes

Listener Question: How soon is Faster to the Faster on sale for Carnival Cruise Line? 

We get a review of Disney Magic. One of Disney Cruise Line's older cruise ships. This was a repositioning cruise from San Juan, Puerto Rico to Miami, Florida. 

Carnival Cruise Line Brand Ambassador John Heald answers some questions.  

Dan Skilken from TripInsurance.com talks to us about WOW airline that just went out of business and how that impacts travelers without travel insurance. Also, the recent Oasis of the Seas incident and how the guests who had air and hotel were covered. 

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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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By request, a review of Norwegian Cruise Line's Manhattan-based Norwegian Gem. This was a 10-night Southern Caribbean cruise that went to St. Thomas, San Juan, St. Maarten, St. Lucia and Antigua. We get a bow-to-stern comprehensive review of this sailing as well as details about the cruise ship. 

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A review of Royal Caribbean's Symphony of the Seas, currently the World's Largest Cruise Ship (as of Spring 2019). This was a seven-night Western Caribbean review. Matt gives us all the details on the sailing, dining, entertainment, and public spaces on this mega cruise ship. 

Sherry Laskin has cruise news on: 

• Norwegian Cruise Line will no longer be making towel animals 
• Crane falls onto Oasis of the Seas while at dry dock 
• Carnival debuts Carnival Panorama waterpark 
• Cruise lines take advantage of April Fool's Day 
• Listener Question: Do you have any Celebrity Reflection tips?

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A review from Norwegian Cruise Line's latest ship Norwegian Bliss. This was a seven-night Eastern Caribbean cruise to Miami that went to Tortola, St. Thomas, and Nassau. 

Did Viking sail into the storm knowing that bad weather was on the radar? Action News Meteorologist Greg Dee to let us know how forecastable these storms in the North Sea area.

Listener questions about Northern Europe shore excursions. 

Sherry Laskin has cruise news on: 

• Viking Ocean Cruises incident in the North Seas during rough weather
• A famous cruise ship is getting sued because of a bed bug problem in 2018
• Celebrity Summit is sailing again after a massive refurbishment
• Princess Cruises confirms two more new cruise ships

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This week we get a review of Celebrity Silhouette on a 10-night Southern and Eastern Caribbean cruise. We get a bow to stern review of this cruise ship and what it was like sailing Celebrity Cruises. 

Sherry has cruise news on:

• New cruise terminal is officially underway in Port Canaveral
• Norwegian Cruise Line is increasing gratuities on April 1, 2019
• Norwegian Sky just got back from a three-week dry dock
• Royal Caribbean previews Perfect Day at Cococay
• Holland America cuts steel for third Pinnacle-class ship

Listener question: Curious your thoughts on a question we have been wrestling with since the Carnival Vista: how does tipping work in the specialty dining areas? Do you tip 15%-20% like a normal restaurant? - Drew

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We get a review of Regal Princess from a first time Princess Cruises' guest. This was a seven-night Eastern Caribbean cruise. 

Sherry Laskin has cruise news on: 

• Carnival Freedom's massive refurbishment 
• Carnival Cruise Line is canceling is all stops to Antigua
• Disney Cruise Line purchased the land for a new destination in the Bahamas
• Royal Caribbean loses the case involving a guest that had a fatal heart attack onboard
• Carnival Cruise Line pulls out of Antigua

Listener question: Bringing a minor on a cruise - is there any documentation required?

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Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line isn't your typical cruise line. They have two cruise ships based in Palm Beach, Florida and do two-night cruises to Freeport, Bahamas. One of their ships is an old Carnival Cruise Line ship (Carnival Celebration) and the other is an old Costa Cruises ship (neoClassica). Today's review is of the Grand Classica.

We learn how is compares to mass market cruise ship, are the procedures the same, and what the experience was like. 

Action News Meteorologist Greg Dee answers a question about the high winds that caused a cruise ship delay in New York City.

Sherry has cruise news on: 

• Norwegian Cruise Line ship was cut short due to high winds 
• The port of Nassau will get a new cruise pier 
• One cruise line made gratuities mandatory and then reversed it 
• Navigator of the Seas is out of dry dock and ready to sail from Port Miami
• Carnival Cruise Line adds new dessert menu

Listener question on tipping luggage handlers at the pier. 

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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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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 

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 detailed review of MSC Cruises MSC Seaside. This was a seven-night Eastern Caribbean sailing to the Eastern Caribbean. The cruise stopped at San Juan, St. Thomas, St. Maarten, and Nassau. This review is from a first time MSC cruiser and packed with great information about the cruise line, the service onboard, and the ship itself. 

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.

A review of Carnival Cruise Line's New Orleans based Carnival Dream. This was a seven-night Western Caribbean cruise. 

Sherry has a cruise on: 

• Carnival updates app
• Carnival new dining plan 
• Royal Caribbean names their new ship and it's headed to the US
• Holland America christening 
• Virgin Voyages reveal more cabin information 

Action News Meteorologist drops by to talk about sea fog and the issues it caused in Tampa with Royal Caribbean's Brilliance of the Seas. 

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.

Meteorologist Greg Dees answers the question on why Royal Caribbean and Norwegian Cruise Line always miss their private island because of weather. And lightning in the Gulf of Mexico. 

Colleen McDaniel from Cruise Critic joins us to talk about the big winners in their 2018 Editors' Picks Awards. 

Sherry Laskin has cruise news on:

• Itineraries for Carnival Cruise Line's new Carnival Mardi Gras
• Princess Cruises private destination Princess Cays caught fire 
• Virgin Voyages is rolling gratuities into the cruise fare 
• Princess announces the largest balconies at sea 

Shelly from CruisingExcursions answers some listener questions on some cruisers sailings to Rome, Athens, Mallorca, and Mykonos. 

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 Celebrity Infinity this week. This week's guest is a seasoned cruiser but his first time sailing on Celebrity Cruises. This four-night cruise left from Port Everglades and went to Key West and Nassau, and had one sea day. 

Dan Skilken from TripInsurance.com answers a question about a cruise guest who almost got stuck in Mexico needing emergency surgery. 

Sherry Laskin has cruise news on:

• The kid who jumped off a Royal Caribbean cruise ship and lived to tell the story. 
• Virgin Voyages releases rock star cruise suites. 
• MSC Cruises gives us more details about their upcoming island Ocean Reserve Cay.

Dan Skilken from TripInsurance.com answers a question about a cruise guest who almost got stuck in Mexico needing emergency surgery. 

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.

 A full review of Norwegian Cruise Line's Norwegian Sky. This ship is one of Norwegian's smaller cruise ships and sails year-round from Miami, Florida. Matt did a back-to-back sailing on this one so he sailed a four-night and then a three-night sailing. The itinerary on the cruise included Cuba, Nassau, Bahamas and the cruise line's private island of Great Stirrup Cay. 

To catch up on this week's cruise news please check out the Cruise Radio News feed by clicking here or by typing in Cruise Radio News where you listen to your favorite podcast. 

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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.

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.

We get a Carnival Elation review from Tony and Jenny. Carnival Elation is a Fantasy-class ship that underwent a massive dry dock in 2017 to add another deck, more dining options, and refurbishing all the existing staterooms. This was a five-night Bahamas cruise to Nassau, Bahamas, and Half Moon Cay. 

Sherry has cruise news:

• Mexican cruise destination rocked by violence 
• 2018 Norovirus report released
• Carnival Cruise Line reverses room service charge 
• Venice is now charging day visitor tax 
• 100-year-old woman celebrates a birthday on a cruise ship
• Carnival Cruise Line captain and crew honored for rescue 

Listener questions:

• How much does the sky suite on Celebrity Edge cost? 
• My dining time is during sail away - what happens?

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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 Princess Cruises' Caribbean Princess. Caribbean Princess was launched in 2004 and carries just over 3,100 guests. This review is of a back to back cruise doing Eastern and Western Caribbean.

Sherry has cruise news on:

• One cruise line issued their guests a warning about Nassau, Bahamas 
• Carnival Cruise Line signed a contract to get faster internet at sea
• St. Maarten ended 2018 with a record-breaking cruise day
• Carnival's float made a debut in the 2019 Rose Parade
• Royal Caribbean is testing a new program in their casino on Harmony of the Seas 

Listener question: Do you have any free beach recommendations for Grand Turk. We are taking our first cruise in February.  

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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.