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Syndication

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.

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.  

Direct download: EPI676DEC2921.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:12am EDT

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. 

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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.  

Direct download: EPI675DEC2221.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 3:00am EDT

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. 

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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.  

Direct download: EPI674DEC1521.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 3:00am EDT

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 

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

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

Direct download: EPI673DEC0921.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 3:00am EDT

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

1. We have a Carnival cruise booked out of Port Canaveral for late December. We're trying to arrange testing before we go, but are thinking about making a reservation for pier-side testing as a backup. Is there any reason we shouldn't do this?
 
2. I heard you can stay overnight on Ocean Cay. Is that true?
 
---

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.  

Direct download: EPI672DEC0221.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 3:00am EDT

Brian and Deb just returned from the first sailing that Norwegian Cruise Line did from Port Canaveral. This was a seven-night Eastern Caribbean cruise that included St. Thomas, Tortolla, and Norwegian's private island Great Stirrup Cay.
 
Richard Simms has cruise news:
  • 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? 

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.  

Direct download: EPI671NOV2521.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 3:00am EDT

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 

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

Direct download: EPI670NOV1621.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 3:00am EDT

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 

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

Direct download: EPI669NOV1121.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 3:00am EDT

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? 

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.  

Direct download: EPI668NOV0521.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 3:00am EDT

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? 

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.  

Direct download: EPI667OCT2821.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 3:00am EDT

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. 

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. 

 

 

Direct download: EPI663OCT2121.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 3:00am EDT

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 

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

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

Direct download: EPI662OCT1421.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 3:00am EDT

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 

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

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

Direct download: EPI661OCT0821.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 3:00am EDT

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 

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

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

Direct download: EPI660SEPT3021.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 3:00am EDT

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 

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

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

Direct download: EPI659SPE2321.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 3:00am EDT

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 

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

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

Direct download: EPI658SEPT16_21.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 3:00am EDT

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 

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

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

 

Direct download: EPI657SEPT0921.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 3:00am EDT

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 

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

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

 

Direct download: EPI656SEPT0221.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 3:00am EDT

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 

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

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

Direct download: EPI655AUG2621.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 3:00am EDT

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 

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

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

Direct download: EPI654AUG1821.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 3:00am EDT

Ashley Kosciolek from The Points Guy, and Doug answer listener questions about Carnival Cruise Line's newest mega-ship Mardi Gras. 

Richard has cruise news on

  • The latest in the Florida and Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings (NCLH) lawsuit 
  • Disney Cruise Line returning to sailing 
  • Mardi Gras completes inaugural voyage
  • Carnival Cruise Line changes health protocols in August 
  • First Cunard Line ship returns to service

Question: How do we know the protocols in each port of call we visit.

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. 

Direct download: EPI653AUG1221.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 3:00am EDT

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 

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

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

Direct download: EPI652AUG0521.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 3:00am EDT

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 
Question: How strict have the cruise lines been on embarkation and arriving at your appointment times? Diane 

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.

Direct download: EPI651JUL2921.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 3:00am EDT

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 

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

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

 

Celebrity Apex check-in

Direct download: EPI650JUL2221.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 3:00am EDT

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 

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

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

Direct download: EPI649JUL1521.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 3:00am EDT

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 

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

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

Direct download: EPI648JUL921.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 3:00am EDT

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 

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

Direct download: EDGE_JUL_2021_clean.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 3:00am EDT

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 

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

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

Direct download: EPI646JUN2421.mp3
Category:Royal Caribbean -- posted at: 3:00am EDT

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.
Question: What is the best embarkation appointment to select?

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.

Direct download: EPI465JUN1721.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 3:00am EDT

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

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.

Direct download: EPI644JUN1021.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 3:00am EDT

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.

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.

Direct download: EPI643JUN0321B.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 3:00am EDT

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 

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

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

Direct download: EPI642MAY2721.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 3:00am EDT

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 

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

 

Direct download: EPI641MAY2021.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 3:00am EDT

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? 

Direct download: EPI640MAY1321.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 3:00am EDT

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 

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

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

Direct download: EPI639MAY0621.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 3:00am EDT

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 

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

Direct download: EPI638APR2921.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 11:29pm EDT

Travel insurance is more important than ever now. And policies have changed during the pandemic. Some items that used to be covered may not be covered, as well as certain clauses have been put in place. And finally, what you should you know and consider before booking your next travel insurance policy. 

Sherry has cruise news

  • The CDC has raised its warning against traveling to the Bahamas. 
  • Royal Caribbean introduces a new neighborhood aboard Wonder of the Seas
  • The game of tug of war continues with the cruise industry's future. 
  • Another cruise line moves closer to all-inclusive pricing. 
  • Norwegian Cruise Line has detailed a little more of what's to come in terms of buffets and embarkation. 
  • River cruising is going strong in the United States. 

Listener Question: What should we know about getting to the island of St. John when docking in St. Thomas?  — Jeff 

Thoughts or questions? doug@cruiseradio.net 

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

Direct download: EPI637APR2221.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 3:00am EDT

We talk in detail about Royal Caribbean Adventure of the Seas. This is one of Royal Caribbean's first ships sailing for US residents. Where are the quiet spots, how does it manage passenger flow and any special spots that stick out. 
 
Sherry has cruise news on:
  • 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:

I took a cruise in 2005 aboard the Norwegian Wind out of Honolulu that had a foreign port stop at Fanning Island (Kiribati, Gilbert Islands).  Whatever happened to Fanning Island? Will it ever be a cruise stop again?  - Paul 

Thoughts or questions? doug@cruiseradio.net 

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

 
Direct download: EPI636APR1521.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 3:00am EDT

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? 

Thoughts or questions? doug@cruiseradio.net 

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

Direct download: EPI635APR0821.mp3
Category:Royal Caribbean -- posted at: 3:00am EDT

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 

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

Direct download: EPI634APR0121.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 3:00am EDT

  • 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. 
Q:  Long-time listener here wondering IF the cruise ship restrictions voted on in Key West stay in place (not overturned by Florida's legislature) can any of the major cruise line ships call on Key West? I know the mega-ships are out, but how about some of the older classes of ships? — Brian
 
Q: Hi. Last week Shery mentioned Europe land/cruising. In 2022, we are looking to spend a couple of months in Europe. Is it better to start in the north or the south? - Di 

 

Direct download: EPI633MAR2521.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 3:00am EDT

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 

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

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

Direct download: EPI632MAR1821.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 3:00am EDT

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 

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

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

Direct download: EPI631MAR1121.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 3:00am EDT

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? 

--

Thoughts or questions? doug@cruiseradio.net 

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

Direct download: EPI630MAR0421.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 3:00am EDT

Carnival Cruise Line released return-to-cruise protocols, then hours later it was rescinded. We break down what the rules initially said and why they were quickly taken down. Some of the protocols touched on gaming, swimming, and onboard activities.

Sherry Laskin has cruise news

  • More cruise line cancellations
  • Vaccines are paving the way for future cruise bookings
  • MSC detailed some features on a ship that is coming to Miami 
  • Miami is going green
  • One luxury cruise line will require a shot in the arm
  • The future is looking bleak for the Queen Mary in Long Beach

Listener Question: I haven't heard anything about NCL Pride of America. Is there any discussion about restarting these cruises at all?

--

Thoughts or questions? doug@cruiseradio.net 

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

Direct download: EPI629FEB2521.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 3:00am EDT

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. 

Sherry Laskin has cruise news

  • Norwegian Cruise Line cancels sailings through June 1, 2020 
  • Nassau, Bahamas says cruise ships could start doing test voyages there as early as the spring
  • Royal Caribbean is requiring crew members to be vaccinated 
  • Royal is also remaining bullish on the 2021 Alaska season 
  • MSC Cruises shows us that the machines are in control 

Listener Question: I have a cruise booked for December 2021, and haven’t really been shopping around outside of that. My question is, should we expect prices to rise due to ships not filling all the rooms?  There is such a pent-up desire to cruise, I’m afraid the competition will be steep for a while. -Kayla

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Thoughts or questions? doug@cruiseradio.net 

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

Direct download: EPI628FEB1821.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 3:00am EDT

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 

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

Direct download: EPI627FEB1121.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 3:00am EDT

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? 

--

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.

Direct download: EPI626FEB0421.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 7:56am EDT

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. 

--

Thoughts or questions? doug@cruiseradio.net 

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

Direct download: EPI625JAN2821.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 3:00am EDT

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?

 I’ll be honest...I don’t know how ready I’ll be to cruise, if things don’t get better. Will I get my money back if I change my mind?

--

Thoughts or questions? doug@cruiseradio.net 

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

Direct download: EPI624JAN2121.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 3:00am EDT

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?

--

Thoughts or questions? doug@cruiseradio.net 

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

Direct download: EPI623JAN1421.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 3:00am EDT

Is the cruise industry getting a fair shake by media outlets? We discuss a land-side outbreak that received minimal coverage while the cruise industry continues to get hammered. 

Sherry Laskin has cruise news

  • Carnival Cruise Line cancels more cruises in 2021
  • Cruise ships are starting to make their way back to the west coast
  • Viking Cruises announces the godmother of an upcoming ship
  • A 55-year-old ship is getting scrapped
  • Carnival earn a few more travel awards in 2020

Listener Question: Is there a wave season in 2021? 

--

Thoughts or questions? doug@cruiseradio.net 

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

Direct download: EPI622JAN0621.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 3:00am EDT

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

Direct download: CRR069JAN0221-A.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 11:15pm EDT

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