Carnival Horizon eight night sailing to the ABC islands. Co-creators of The Cruise Globe joins us.  

A Mexican Riveria review of Norwegian Cruise Line's Norwegian Joy. Staff writer Richard Simms has cruise news on Royal Caribbean earnings, Norwegian Cruise Line loss, Carnival Cruise Line fighting, and a guest arrested on Royal Caribbean. 

A review of Royal Caribbean's Voyager of the Seas during spring break 2025. Staff writer Richard Simms has this week's cruise news. Captain Murray, Port Director of Port Canaveral drops by to share the big changes happening at one of the world's busiest cruise ports. 

A review of Virgin Voyages Scarlet Lady sailing from Port Miami. Staff writer Richard Simms has cruise news. 

Brian just returned from a three-night cruise on Royal Caribbean's Navigator of the Seas out of Los Angeles. Staff writer Richard Simms tackles some of your listener questions. 

A review of Norwegian Cruise Line's Pride of America on a seven-night Hawaiin cruise that sailed roundtrip from Honolulu.  Staff writer Richard Simms has cruise news. 

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Cruise news this week includes a landslide at the Alaska cruise port, Carnival Vista experiencing another round of propulsion issues, Royal Caribbean ordering more Icon Class mega-ships, a cyber attack at the Port of Seattle, four passengers arrested on a cruise for credit card fraud, and an update on the Villa Vie Odyssey world cruise. 

We get an updated review of Margaritaville at Sea Islander, the latest launch from the Margaritaville brand. The ship sails four and five night voyages out of Tampa, Florida to the Western Caribbean and Key West. 

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A review of Virgin Voyages Scarlet Lady, plus Doug Parker and Richard Simms have cruise news. 

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This is a review of a Bermuda cruise onboard Norwegian Joy. Norwegian Joy was recently overhauled to remove spaces while making room for new venues. Tommy Casabona from the Always Be Booked Podcast talks about his experience onboard, what he thought of the entertainment offerings onboard, and what it's like sailing out of New York City when living in there. 

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A review of Margaritaville at Sea Islander. This is the new cruise ship from the late Jimmy Buffett's successful Margaritaville brand.

Doug Parker and staff writer Richard Simms discuss the week's top news stories, including a woman who got an expensive bill from the infirmary after she got seasick, a cruise ship getting seized in Italy for being too dirty, a world cruise delayed for the fourth time, Greece looking to cap cruise passengers, and the SS United States getting evicted from its pier in Philadelphia.

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A review of Harmony of the Seas, a Royal Caribbean Oasis-class ship that is currently sailing from Galveston, Texas to the Western Caribbean. 

Scott gives us a review of Virigin Voyages' Scarlett Lady from Port Miami. 

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Cruise news with staff writer Richard Simms. 

A review of P&O Cruises Iona. This was a 14 night cruise to Lisbon and Spain from the UK. 

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A review of Margaritaville at Sea Paradise. Staff writer Richard Simms has cruise news. 

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A review of Virgin Voyages latest vessel, Valiant Lady. Staff writer Richard Simms has cruise news. 

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A review of a Caribbean sailing aboard Scarlet Lady. 

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Bahamian government's plan to raise port taxes [00:01:00] The Bahamian government wants to raise port taxes, which is an expense that cruise lines pass on to cruisers. Christine Duffy, the president of Carnival Cruise Line, recently told Travel Weekly that Carnival would like to push these new fees off for a while.

NTSB report on a cruise ship collision in Alaska [00:03:52] The NTSB released their report about a cruise ship that hit the dock last year in Alaska, and it turns out that back in 2021, the pier had been extended as part of a renovation process, but the information was not actually passed along to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).

Royal Caribbean's new ship Utopia of the Seas [00:05:50] Royal Caribbean's Utopia of the Seas, an Oasis class ship, will start sailing next summer and doing short cruises out of Port Canaveral. 

Princess Cruises' New Ship [00:07:36] Discusses Princess Cruises' new ship, Sun Princess, and its family-oriented features, including a new area called Park 19 with a sea breeze attraction, splash zone, and ping pong tables.

Norwegian Cruise Line's New Shows [00:10:34] Discusses Norwegian Cruise Line's decision to replace their Broadway-style shows with cheaper, jukebox musicals, and the potential impact on guest experience.

New Carnival Cruise Line Menus [00:13:22] Discusses the new menus being introduced on the Carnival Dream, which include more vegetarian options and the ability to order items from specialty restaurants for a surcharge.

Food Talk [00:15:38] Doug Parker and Richard Simms discuss the new menu on Carnival Cruise Line's Dream ship, including the steakhouse selections and the main dining room's comfort food.

Travel Insurance during Hurricane Season [00:20:55] Dan Silkin, President of tripinsurance.com, advises listeners to buy travel insurance to protect against hurricanes canceling their vacation, but notes that cruise ships are not considered destinations by insurance companies.

Compensation for Missed Ports [00:23:25] Doug Parker asks Dan Silkin if missing a port due to political unrest, like Royal Caribbean's abrupt departure from Haifa, would be compensated by travel insurance, but Silkin notes that ports of call may not be considered destinations by insurance companies.

Norovirus and COVID-19 [00:25:13] Discussion on how travel insurance policies cover norovirus and COVID-19, and the importance of having third-party medical proof for filing a claim.

Medical Coverage on Cruise Ships [00:30:38] Explanation of how travel insurance policies cover medical treatment on board a ship, even if the incident was not reported locally, and the importance of having travel insurance for medical coverage.

Primary Coverage for Medical Expenses [00:31:12] Importance of buying a travel insurance plan with primary coverage for medical expenses, as domestic health insurance policies may not cover medical treatment on board a ship or outside the United States.

Travel Insurance Coverage [00:32:18] Discussion on the importance of medical evacuation coverage and recommended coverage amounts for different travel destinations.

Disputed Insurance Claim [00:36:03] Advice on how to appeal a denied insurance claim and the option to file a complaint with the state insurance bureau.

Customer Perception of Carnival [00:40:12] Discussion on a customer's negative experience with Carnival Cruise Line and the importance of customer perception in the service industry.

How to Contact Trip Insurance [00:41:25] Dan Silkin, President of Trip Insurance, shares how to contact their customer support line or send an email for assistance.

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Getting you caught up on this week in the cruise industry.

Staff writer Richard Simms has cruise news on:

• Royal Caribbean changing room service from twice to once
• Death on a Carnival Cruise Line ship in which the FBI is involved 
• Royal Caribbean detailing its Royal beach Club in Nassau, Bahamas 
• Disney Cruise Line giving details about its Lighthouse Point opening soon 
• Norwegian Cruise Line skipping a port over port congestion and detailing where Norwegian Sky is going 
• Holland America Line launching a new series of journeys that sail round trip from North America 

Kabir recently took an eight-night Caribbean cruise aboard Virgin Voyages' ship Valiant Lady out of PortMiami. He goes over what sets this cruise line apart from others, how the food and entertainment were on board, and what he did in each port of call.

Richard has cruise news on:

• Carnival's oldest ship is back in service after a two-week dry dock
• Royal is making something free that once had a cost attached
• That pesky rock slide in Alaska may soon go away
• One island is considering limiting the number of cruise ships
• Heads up, if you're getting a passport soon

Listener Question: Selina asks, I’m going on a cruise in December. My passport expires three days after we’re supposed to board. Will that be a problem?

Want to support Cruise Radio? Join the Cruise Radio Extra Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/cruiseradio 

Mentioned in the show:

• www.cruisedirectorkabir.com
• www.instagram.com/kabirbageria
• www.twitter.com/kabirbageria
• www.youtube.com/c/travelwithkabircd

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The top cruise news stories of 2022 and a question about visiting St. Thomas. 

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Why you need to travel with trip insurance in 2023. Richard Simms has cruise news. 

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Richard has cruise news on: 

• Could Carnival Corporation offload Seabourn Cruises? 
• Two cruise ships are for sale in The Bahamas 
• Norwegian Cruise Line has staffing issues on one ship and redeploys another 
• A full return to service for Royal Caribbean International 
• Carnival Cruise Line sees two-million guests since the cruise industry restart 

Listener Question: Can I use a birth certificate to board a cruise ship? 

XXXX

Thoughts or questions? doug@cruiseradio.net 

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

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

Listener Question: 

Thoughts or questions? doug@cruiseradio.net 

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? 

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 

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 

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 

We talk with former cruise line executive Art Sbarsky about the cruising industry restart and talk shop about moves the cruise lines are doing to earn extra revenue. 

Richard Simms has cruise news:

• It's been a long 16 months but a lot of ships are back into service
• The UK greenlights international cruises 
• The CDC and Florida lawsuit drags on — has it ended yet?
• Norwegian has finally returned to sailing 
• Disney has announced new testing protocols 
• Bimini island gets first Carnival ship call 

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

We speak with:

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

Thoughts or questions? doug@cruiseradio.net 

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

Thoughts or questions? doug@cruiseradio.net 

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

Thoughts or questions? doug@cruiseradio.net 

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

Richard has cruise news: 

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

We check in with Stewart Chiron who is sailing aboard Celebrity Millennium this week from St. Maarten. This is the first cruise open to U.S. residents. We get a glimpse of life at sea, what it's like cruising in 2021, and what about the buffets? Staff writer Richard Simms also discusses Celebrity Cruises' new vaccination policy. 

Richard has cruise news: 

• The first Caribbean cruise ship to welcome U.S. guests has sailed 
• Another ships has been cleared to sail from Florida 
• Carnival announces Caribbean restart dates 
• A policy change for Carnival guests sailing from Galveston, Texas
• More cancellations for Disney and an app update 
• MSC announces restarts dates for North America 
• Royal has also announced a handful of ships restarting

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

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

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

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

Sherry Laskin has cruise news on: 

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

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

Thoughts or questions? doug@cruiseradio.net 

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

Sherry has cruise news on: 

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

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

Thoughts or questions? doug@cruiseradio.net 

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

Sherry has cruise news:

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

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

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

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

Thoughts or questions? doug@cruiseradio.net 

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

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

Thoughts or questions? doug@cruiseradio.net 

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

Sherry Laskin has cruise news: 

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

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

Thoughts or questions? doug@cruiseradio.net 

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

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

Sherry has news on:

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

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

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

Thoughts or questions? doug@cruiseradio.net 

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

Sherry Laskin has cruise news:

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

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

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Thoughts or questions? doug@cruiseradio.net 

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

Sherry has cruise news: 

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

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

--

Thoughts or questions? doug@cruiseradio.net 

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

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

Sherry Laskin has cruise news: 

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

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

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Thoughts or questions? doug@cruiseradio.net 

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

Sherry Laskin has cruise news: 

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

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

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Thoughts or questions? doug@cruiseradio.net 

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

Sherry Laskin has cruise news: 

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

Listener Q:

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

--

Thoughts or questions? doug@cruiseradio.net 

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

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

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

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Thoughts or questions? doug@cruiseradio.net 

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

Sherry has cruise news: 

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

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

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

Sherry Laskin has cruise news: 

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

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

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

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Thoughts or questions? doug@cruiseradio.net 

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

Sherry has cruise news: 

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

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Thoughts or questions? doug@cruiseradio.net 

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

Date: November 1, 2020

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

Richard has cruise news on:

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

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

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Thoughts or questions? doug@cruiseradio.net 

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

Date: September 27, 2020 

We get behind the scenes look of a cruise terminal and find out what happens on embarkation day, how luggage gets sorted, and what really makes tempers flare at boarding. 

Date: September 20, 2020

Staff writer Richard Simms talks to us about the meeting that PortMiami had about the state of cruising, Carnival Cruise Line ships returning to service in November, and Norwegian Cruise Line delaying a cruise update. Matt Hochberg from Royal Caribbean Blog answers questions on how Royal Caribbean has changed its app to facilitate the future of cruising and brand loyalty programs. 

Date: September 13, 2020

Steve is the host of the DCL Podcast, a show all about Disney Cruise Line. This week he answers our questions about sailing on Disney, Castaway Cay, dining onboard, sailing without kids, and a whole lot of other questions. 

Date: August 30, 2020

Nancy Schretter returns this week from the Family Travel Network to answer some questions about cruising to Cozumel with small children, how to deal with food allergies on a cruise ship, and keeping your child safe in a balcony. Tommy Casabona stops by to give details about sailing from Fort Lauderdale with factoring in a little bit of pre-cruise fun. Sherr from CruiseTipsTV answers a question about the Yacht Club experience on MSC Cruises. 

Date: August 29, 2020

In our series of exploring personalities within the cruise space, we speak with Bill Panoff. Bill started his career aboard a Carnival Cruise Line ship where he worked at sea for 13 years and then went launched Porthole Cruise Magazine, the largest cruise magazine in the world. 

• Porthole Cruise Magazine Digital: https://bit.ly/3atTJ9I
• Cruise Control Video Series: https://bit.ly/3kQuXFk 

Date: August 16, 2020

Nancy Schretter from the Family Travel Network joins us to talk about her seven-night Mediterranean cruise on Crystal Cruises' Crystal Serenity. Crystal Cruises recently announced that they will not welcome guests back until 2021. 

Sherry has cruise news: 

• Another round of cruise cancellations 
• Crew members file a lawsuit against the cruise company 
• Norwegian Cruise Line puts rumors to bed 
• Recapping Royal Caribbean Group's Q2 earnings call
• Med cruises were given the green flag for August 15

Listener Q: What is the difference between a Bahamas and a Bermuda cruise?

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Thoughts or questions? doug@cruiseradio.net 

We tackle your listener questions this week. Sherry Laskin joins us to break down using onboard credits on multiple sailings and the best way to remove canceled guests from a cruise.  Barbara lets us know the main differences between the cruise line vacation planner and a travel agent. Richard talks about cruise embarkation out of New York City. 

Date: August 9, 2020 

Over a dozen cruise ships have been sold off throughout the cruise industry shutdown, with more likely to come. But what happens to cruise ships once they are sold? What do they do with the equipment? How long does the deconstruction process take? Maritime historian and journalist Peter Knego drops in to answer our questions. 

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. 

Last Look: Carnival Fantasy Remembered: https://cruiseradio.net/last-look-remembering-carnival-fantasy/

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

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

Date: August 2, 2020 

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have published 28 questions to the general public. We read the questions and tell you how you can respond with your answers. 

You may submit comments, identified by Docket No. CDC-2020-0087 by any of the following methods listed below. CDC does not accept comments by email.

• Federal eRulemaking Portal: https://www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments.
• Mail: Maritime Unit, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1600 Clifton Road NE, MS V18-2, Atlanta, GA 30329.

Date: July 25, 2020

Cruise expert Stewart Chiron drops by the answer some listener questions. Matt Hochberg from Royal Caribbean Blog answer questions on Royal Caribbeans "Lift and Shift" program and the difference between a Quantum and Quantum Ultra class ship. 

1. When a ship is said to be 130,000-tons, what does that mean? 

We talk to the granddaughter of the architect of the SS United States. At one time, this ship broke the speed record and went across the Atlantic Ocean in three days. 

Date: July 12, 2020 

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 

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

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. 

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 

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

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 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 

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

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 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 

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 

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