Aside from wearing masks on a cruise ship, buffets at sea have been another hot button topic. Royal Caribbean first said they would not have one, and then backpedaled. Norwegian Cruise Line had a computer glitch that issued everyone extra loyalty points - will they honor or take away? Staff writer Richard Simms weighs in on both topics. 

Date: July 5, 2020

A preview of what casinos at sea may look like after sailing a five-hour gambling trip. A look at what we saw with protocols and safety procedures. 

Sherry Laskin has cruise news: 

• Carnival Corporation sells off a cruise ship during the shutdown
• Cruise ships head to the West Coast of North America
• MSC Cruises starts construction on a new class of ship 
• An Asian cruise line will be the first major cruise line to resume sailing 
• Norwegian Cruise Line cancels the remainder of Alaska 2020 sailings 
• Carnival Cruise Line rescues a distressed vessel 

Listener Question: The map shows three cruise docks in Cozumel, how will I know where Carnival Vista is going to dock. - Kayla 

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Thoughts or questions? doug@cruiseradio.net 

We answer your listener questions on this weekend's episode of Cruise Radio Rewind. What is the best way to get from San Pedro cruise port to Los Angelos airport? Is an overnight stay on the Queen Mary in Long Beach, California worth it? Where can we find an affordable hotel somewhere near Port Canaveral? If the cruise line books my air, does it protect me if my flight is delayed? 

Date: June 28, 2020 

A review of Carnival Conquest on a seven-night cruise from Port Miami. This sailing went to the Eastern Caribbean with stops in Amber Cove, Grand Turk, San Juan, and St. Thomas. 

Sherry has cruise news: 

• More cruise lines announced cancellations 
• Nassau, Bahamas could get strict on cruise passengers 
• Rapid covid testing could be coming to a cruise line near you
• Carnival Corporation announced the sale of six cruise ships 
• Another cruise line is bringing two ships to Port Canaveral

Listener Question: What are the top three things to do in Ketchikan, Alaska? We are in our early 30s and very active. - Ellie

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Thoughts or questions? doug@cruiseradio.net 

Masks, social distancing, modified or no buffets, elevators, casinos, there are a lot of potential deal-breakers when it comes to cruising as the industry ramps up again. Cruise Radio Staff Writer Richard Simms and Host of the Always Be Booked Podcast, Tommy Casabona weighs in. 

Date: June 21, 2020

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

Sherry Laskin has cruise news: 

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

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

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Thoughts or questions? doug@cruiseradio.net 

We get a detailed review of Norwegian Cruise Line's Norwegian Joy. Joy was first launched for the Asian market, in 2018, the cruise line announced that the ship would move from Asia to North America. The first North American cruise season, the ship sailed Alaska and then the Mexican Riveria. 

Date: June 14, 2020

A 2020 review of MSC Grandiosa. This was a Mediterranean cruise that was cheaper than a lot of his other vacation options. 

Sherry has cruise news: 

• Royal Caribbean announces delays and cancellations 
• Good news for 3,000 Carnival Cruise Line crew members
• A cruise line will be sailing from Port Canaveral for the first time 
• Norwegian Cruise Line talks masks, buffets, and muster drills 
• You must test negative for COVID-19 to come to Alaska

Listener Q: What is the best way to go about seeing how booked a cruise is before we sail?

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Thoughts or questions? doug@cruiseradio.net 

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

We get a review of Norwegian Cruise Line's Norwegian Star. This was a seven-night cruise that sailed round trip from Venice. 

Richard has cruise news:

• Norwegian's return-to-cruising health details 
• Canada extending its cruise ship ban 
• Carnival Cruise Line doubling down on thermal imaging cameras
• River cruising is back 
• So is ocean cruising in Asia 

Listener Question: Hardcore Royal Caribbean cruise and tinkering with the idea of sailing Norwegian Cruise Line. With Norwegian doing the five free perks with any booking, is that a good deal? 

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Thoughts or questions? doug@cruiseradio.net 

Where is my cruise refund? That is a question that is being asked by thousands of people. Are the cruise lines really doing the best they can or are they holding on to your money until the last minute possible? After all, the Fair Credit Bill Act The FCBA has set strict guidelines for creditors to follow that protect consumers. 

Date: May 31, 2020

Cruise Director Kabir returns this week to discuss your questions about life at sea. Some of the questions he tackles is what a cruise director's day is like, is there a hookup culture onboard the ship, social distancing, and speculation on what it could be like as we resume cruising. 

Date: May 24, 2020 

We get a review of Holland America's Zuiderdam. This was a seven-night Eastern Caribbean sailing. This cruise went to Grand Turk, San Juan, and the private island Half Moon Cay. 

Sherry has cruise news:

• The Bahamas could welcome cruisers back as early as July 
• Massive layoffs across multiple cruise lines 
• Disney Cruise Line has extended its cancellation
• Carnival Breeze made it to Southampton to disembark crew
• Norwegian Cruise Line has extended their Peace of Mind policy

Listener Question: What itinerary has the best beaches for relaxing? We are looking into sailing Mardi Gras in 2021. I have to choose between Costa Maya, Roatan, and Cozumel or San Juan, Grand Turk, Amber Cove. - Sandy

Royal Caribbean hinted this week that they could be getting rid of its cruise ship buffets once they start sailing again.

The cruise industry is going through a financial nightmare right now. They are all in a zero revenue environment. Norwegian Cruise Line recently had its first-quarter earnings call late last week, we break down the findings. 

Date: May 17, 2020

We talk to a cruise director who was onboard a cruise ship during the COVID outbreak. Our guest chats with us what it was like being onboard when the cruise industry shutdown and how he had pivot as they attempted to get cruisers home. 

Sherry has cruise news: 

• Grand Cayman isn't ready to take back cruise ships 
• Marine firm launches a project to keep ships clean
• A video could show the future of cruising 
• Norway-based cruise company will return to service in June
• Norwegian Cruise Line opens sailings through 2023 

Listener Question: How early can I drop by bag off at the Long Beach Cruise Terminal? 

Hear Cruise Director Kabir's podcast here. 

Cruise lines are doing a phased-in approach when it comes to return-to-service. In this episode, we discuss how the landscape and policies are changing with the post-COVID. We answer some listener questions on what to look for when buying a policy and how to rebook your policy if your vacation got canceled.

Find more information about travel insurance policies here.

Date: May 10, 2020

This is a 58-night cruise aboard Princess Cruises Island Princess (sister ship to the Coral Princess). This ship was launched back in 2003 and is one of the cruise line's smaller ships. 

An interesting angle with this sailing is that COVID-19 events were happening around the world. So they were experiencing in real-time what changes were being made as the globe was continuously learning about coronavirus. 

Date: May 3, 2020

A review of a seven-night cruise on Royal Caribbean's Freedom of the Seas from San Juan, Puerto Rico. This cruise went down to the Aruba, Bonaire, and Curacao.

Sherry has cruise news on: 

• Carnival sends 10,000 crew members home
• Disney Cruise Line extends its cancellation
• How Norwegian Cruise Line is weathering the financial storm 
• The new Cruise Terminal 3 in Port Canaveral is close to opening 
• Ship designers are pivoting when it comes to future cruise concepts

Listener Question: If I reach platinum status on day three of my cruise, when will I get the perks? 

Staff writer Richard Simms joins us to talk about the details of Norwegian Cruise Line's extension of their suspension of cruises. A company has an idea of putting mobile ICU units in cruise ports across the Caribbean. Norwegian Holdings and Royal Caribbean bolster liquidity. 

Listener Question:

• Should we use a travel agent? 
• What is the status of Carnival Cruise Line's Mardi Gras inaugural season?

Date: April 26, 2020

We get a review of Norwegian Cruise Line's Norwegian Jewel. Part of the Jewel-class of vessels, the ship carries 2400 guests and 93,500-tons. This was a cruise down under, leaving from Sydney to Auckland. We get all the details of the cruise, itinerary, and how to approach this bucket list trip. 

Sherry has cruise news: 

• The White House tapped travel execs to help open the county for tourism
• CDC gave guidance on what cruise lines need to do in order to sail again
• Carnival Cruise ships take on a new mission
• Royal Caribbean has extended its cancellations
• Could a part of NCLH be for sale?

Listener Question: What advantages does an aft balcony have over a normal balcony, aside from the obvious?

We are answering your questions this week, covering everything from cruise price drops, casino offers, drink packages, to how to use onboard credit. 

Special guests this weekend: 

• Sherry Laskin, CruiseMaven.com 
• Matt Hochberg, Royal Caribbean Blog 
• Becky Smith, Becky's Travel Biz

Date: April 19, 2020 

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

Sherry has cruise news: 

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

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

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Thoughts or questions? doug@cruiseradio.net 

Already we are getting a glimpse of how differently cruising will be moving forward.

Staff writer Richard Simms discuses how cruising will change once the cruise industry starts back up again and we move past COVID-19.

Date: April 13, 2020

Cruise industry analyst Stewart Chiron joins us to talk about the Centers for Disease Control's decision. We discuss the financial status and how the cruise lines are raising money to keep them afloat until the return to business. 

We also discuss where the cruise ships will go when they start sailing again. 

Date: April 12, 2020

Disney Fantasy first entered service in 2012. We get a detailed review of a seven-night Eastern Caribbean cruise aboard the vessel. This ports of calls on this cruises we St. Thomas, Tortola, and Disney's private island Castaway Cay. 

Sherry has cruise news: 

• Carnival successfully raised funds to help weather the financial storm
• CDC released new guidelines if your cruise ship is caught in a COVID-19 outbreak
• Both Holland America's ships and Coral Princess successfully made it back to Florida 
• Three ships were ordered by the state to leave the port
• Cruise lines are having virtual events to help pass the time until we can cruise again

We have a chance to talk with maritime historian, journalist, and filmmaker Peter Knego. Peter shares the experience of going to the cruise ship graveyard in Alang, India, where cruise ships are cut up and sold for scrap metal. We also get details of what it's like being one of the last people on board the ship before it disappears forever. 

Peter also shares details about his collection of relics he's salvaged from the doomed ocean liners and some of his thoughts on modern-day cruising. 

MidShipCentury.com: https://www.midshipcentury.com/

The Sands of Alang documentary: https://www.midshipcentury.com/the-sands-of-alang

Date: April 5, 2020 

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

Sherry Laskin has cruise news on: 

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

We could all use a break right now, so we try something a little different.

I want you to imagine your dream cruise ship.

What would it be like? Where would you sail? What dining venues would it have? What would your stateroom be like? Remember, this is your dream cruise vacation so nothing is off-limits. 

Tommy Casabona takes us through his mind and talks to us about a dream cruise he just returned from. The cruise went to San Juan, St. Thomas and Aruba. 

Remember, this cruise really did not happen. We are only having fun here. 

Date: March 29, 2020 

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

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Thoughts or questions? doug@cruiseradio.net 

Sheri from Cruise Tips TV stops by to discuss ways to pass the time until our next cruise. 

Sherry Laskin has cruise news on: 

• Royal Caribbean's new start-up date
• Seattle pausing 2020 cruises 
• Carnival Radiance delayed 
• Cruise line financial sustainability 

Listener questions: 

• What is the Jones Act? 
• What should I bring to kill germs on my cruise?

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Thoughts or questions? doug@cruiseradio.net 

Cruise industry analyst Stewart Chiron weighs in on cruise ships being used as floating hospitals. Travel industry bailouts - should cruise lines be involved? How could the industry shut down impact future cruise ship launches and christenings? How vital are travel agents when it comes to kickstarting the cruise industry again. And will they ever homeport more than one ship in Jacksonville, Florida. 

Date: March 22, 2020

We talk to a cruise passenger who was the last ship to sail after the announcement was made that the cruise industry was taking a voluntarily 30-day suspension.  

Sherry has cruise news on: 

• San Juan turning away cruise ships 
• A Norwegian Cruise Line ship finally finds a home 
• Cruise ship moves from Alaska to Mexico

Listener Questions: 

1. Do we take the refund or the future cruise credit? 
2. Where are all the ships going during the shutdown?

We have more follow-up questions from our segment with Dan Skilken from TripInsurance.com. 

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Thoughts or questions? doug@cruiseradio.net 

Cruise industry analyst Stewart Chiron joins us to talk about the current state of the cruise industry, their financial outlook, and how long it could take to rebound once the industry reopens. 

Dan Skilken of TripInsurance joins us to answer listener questions about cancellations over coronavirus (COVID-19).

Date: March 15, 2020 

A review of Norwegian Joy in Alaska. This was a round-trip cruise from Seattle, Washington. 

Sherry has cruise news: 

• The State Department's latest travel advisory 
• Cruise lines relaxing their cancelation policies
• Carnival skips Grand Turk this week  
• Virgin Voyages' Scarlet Lady arrives in PortMiami 
• Royal Caribbean and Celebrity offer first responder cruises 

Listener question: We're sailing Royal Caribbean for the first time and receiving onboard credit. Is there anything that I can not use the onboard credit for? - Mark 

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Thoughts or questions? doug@cruiseradio.net 

Cruise Industry Analyst Stewart Chiron joins us once again to answer a listener question about how cruise lines protect themselves against financial risk. Staff writer Richard Simms gives us five reasons why this might be the perfect time to buy cruise line stocks. 

Date: March 8, 2020

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

Richard has cruise news on: 

• Carnival Cruise Line skipping some Western Caribbean ports of call
• Royal Caribbean’s CEO declaring coronavirus sucks
• A cruise line’s data being hacked
• Daily gratuities being raised on a cruise line yet again
• Virgin Voyages canceling their New York City stop

Listener Question: What is my Carnival Cruise Line stock shareholder benefit on a seven-night cruise?

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Thoughts or questions? doug@cruiseradio.net 

On this week's rewind, we bring on a meteorologist to discuss the different types of sea fog and why the Caribbean is so windy this winter. Cruise industry analyst discusses the dip in cruise line stocks over the past week, coronavirus hysteria in the Caribbean, and the outcome of the two Carnival Corporation ships in Asia. 

Date: March 2, 2020

We get a review of Azamara Club Cruises' ship Azamara Journey. This was a 17-night Panama Canal sailing. We discuss the ship, onboard features, and the ports of call. 

Rob from CruisingExcursions.com answers your listener shore excursion questions. 

Sherry has cruise news on: 

• Carnival Magic heading to Norfolk
• Carnival Elation experiencing technical issues
• Scarlet Lady heading to New York City 
• Princess Cruise ship fails its health inspection 
• Cruise ship comedian breaks quarantine and flies home

Listener Question: Transportation options in Vancouver, Canada for our Alaska cruise? 

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Thoughts or questions? doug@cruiseradio.net 

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

• What is the difference in food between Carnival Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean in the buffet and main dining rooms?
• How does Carnival's Players Club and Royal Caribbean's casino program stack up against each other? 
• We have a late flight leaving New York City and looking for suggestions on how to spend the day in Manhattan and the best option to getting to Newark on a budget. 

Send your questions to doug@cruiseradio.net.  

Date: February 23, 2020

We answer your listener questions about bidding for an upgrade on Norwegian Cruise Line. Details on cruise line apps. Is it really cheaper to book a cruise as a group? What to do in Antigua. And a suggestion for Naples, Italy. 

Email your questions to doug@cruiseradio.net. 

Date: February 16, 2020

We get a review of Royal Caribbean's Adventure of the Seas. This was an eight-night cruise to their private destination Labadee, San Juan, St. Thomas and St. Maarten. We get details about the ship and ports of call on this Eastern Caribbean cruise. 

Sherry has cruise news on: 

• A cruise was cut short of an outbreak that wasn't coronavirus related
• A port finally accepted the displaced Holland America ship
• Royal Caribbean ship has coronavirus scare
• Carnival Cruise Line has started showcasing Mardi Gras 
• There's a Disney Cruise Line ship at a new homeport 

Listener Question: Looking for a non-crowded family-friendly beach club in Cozumel. 

Coronavirus is all over the news where both travel and cruising are concerned. This week we talk week with cruise industry analyst Stewart Chiron about the impacts on the industry and how cruise lines are being proactive. 

Travel insurance could play a factor in the coronavirus cancellations and delays. We answer some of the dozens of emails we relieved about this outbreak. 

Sherry has cruise news on: 

• A Princess Cruise ship was impacted with the deadly coronavirus 
• Carnival announces new officers for Carnival Radiance 
• Carnival adds another transatlantic voyage in 2021
• Disney Cruise Line launches a website detailing their new destination 
• Holland America Line brings on a new chef 
• Royal Caribbean opened a new section at Perfect Day at Cococay

Listener Q: Is Royal Caribbean's The Key program worth it? - Julie from Layton, Utah 

Thoughts or questions? doug@cruiseradio.net 

We recently had a chance to check out MSC Cruises brand new Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve. This is MSC's new private destination in the Bahamas that was developed exclusively for MSC Cruise guests. We speak with the General Manager of the island and MSC Cruises COO Ken Muskat. And staff writer Richard Simms asks some questions about the new private island. 

Date: February 2, 2020

An Alaska review of Royal Caribbean's Ovation of the Seas. This was a seven-night cruise and it happened to be the very last voyage of the 2019 Alaska cruise season. 

Date: January 19, 2020

We tackle your question. Parking at PortMiami versus an offsite lot. How strict is Carnival Cruise Line when it comes to their cancelation policy? How to get around Bermuda when there for three days. And what is the best time to embark the ship on cruise day? 

Date: January 12, 2020

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

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

Date: January 5, 2019

A review of MSC Meraviglia. This is one of MSC Cruises Meraviglia-class ships that is now sailing seasonally from Port Miami. Hear how this stacks up against other cruise ships sailing from Miami and what it's really like. 

Richard has cruise news on: 

• Another cruise line raises gratuities
• Celebrity Cruises is dropping a surcharge
• A man went overboard on a Norwegian Cruise Line ship 
• Princess launched what they are calling their "best sale ever" - is it a good deal? 
• MSC cruise ship hits the dock in Italy

Listener Question: What happens if we don't use up all our onboard credit on Harmony of the Seas? 

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

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 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 

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. 

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 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

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

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 

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 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 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 

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 

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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 

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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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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 

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

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 

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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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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 

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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? 

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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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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. 

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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. 

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 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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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 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.

The 2018 Year End Cruise News Recap - December 30, 2018. We discuss the top cruise news stories of 2018 including some big changes at Carnival Cruise Line, the deterioration of Nassau, Bahamas, and the fire at Little French Key. Thank you for including Cruise Radio in your weekly lineup and Happy New Year. 

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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.

Enjoy our holiday tradition this week, A Cruiser's Night Before Christmas. Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays. 

‘Twas the night before the cruise, when all through the house
Everyone was packing; have you seen Mom’s blue blouse?

The kids’ luggage was set by the back door with care,
In hopes that they’d remembered to pack formal wear.

The children were nestled all snug in their beds,
While visions of waterslides danced in their heads.

In the morning we got up and got coffee and fraps,
And we got to the terminal without needing a map.

When we got on the ship we avoided the clatter,
We sprang to the buffet to load up a platter.

Away to Guy’s Burgers we flew like a flash,
Next to the pools of kids making a splash.

The sun on the breast of the blue ocean waves
Made me think of a drink, which I started to crave.

When, what to my wondering eyes should appear,
But a goofy British man who was holding a beer.

At the site of him, someone beside me yelled,
And I knew in a moment it must be John Heald.

More rapid than eagles the cruisers they came,
And he whistled, and shouted, and began to exclaim:

“Now Sunshine! now, Glory! now, Pride and Sensation!
On, Magic! On, Conquest! on Spirit and Elation!

To the Caribbean and to three ports of call;
Now cruise away, cruise away, cruise away all!”

Some cruisers stood by and waved their goodbyes,
As the ship’s horn blew and the sunset in the skies.

So up to the lido deck the cruisers they flew,
With cameras in hand to capture the view.

And then, in a twinkling, I heard on the deck
The pouring of juice and some orange triple sec.

As I signed my receipt and left an extra tip,
Up came John Heald to the top of the ship.

He was dressed in his swimsuit, ready for the slides,
And he looked quite happy, with a pep in his stride.

A bag full of sunscreen he had flung on his back,
With a Guy’s burger inside, in case he needed a snack.

His eyes-how they twinkled! His dimples, how merry!
But his chest won the contest for being too hairy!

His droll little mouth was drawn up like a bow,
For he’d just heard the sketch for the comedy show.

As the senior cruise director of the whole Carnival fleet,
He would shake the hand of every cruiser he’d meet.

He had a broad face and he loved the food at the deli,
And in the mornings he room serviced toast with some jelly.

He was funny and kind, a right jolly old man,
And I laughed when I saw him get a bit too tan.

A wink of his eye and a twist of his head,
Soon gave me to know his skin would go red.

He spoke not a word, but went back to his work,
As he wrote up the Fun Times for our day in Grand Turk.

He planned out the bingos, the trivias, the shows,
And made sure to list when the ship’s bars would close.

He then sprang to the mic, to his team gave a shout,
And away they all flew, the crew so devout.

But I heard him exclaim, ‘ere we sailed out of sight,
“Happy cruising to all, and to all a good-night!”

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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.

Cruise Radio News Brief - December 16, 2018. Carnival Cruise Line has announced the first roller coaster at sea. Disney Cruise Line is hiking some prices. And a recently study shows that over 28 million people will cruise in 2018. 

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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.

Cruise Radio News Brief - December 9, 2018. Carnival Cruise Line has named their new ship that is due out in 2020. Port Miami is set for record cruise traffic today. Royal Caribbean is dumping one of their popular partnerships. And Holland America Line's new ship is on her way to Florida.  

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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.