Thu, 2 February 2023
Kevin, his wife, and their two-year-old son took a Thanksgiving cruise aboard Carnival Horizon to Ocho Rios, Grand Cayman, and Cozumel. He shares their thoughts on their Grand Suite stateroom, the dining on board (including the Thanksgiving feast!), the kids’ club, and more. Richard has cruise news:
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Thu, 26 January 2023
We get a five-night review of Celebrity Cruises' Celebrity Beyond. The ship debuted in the Spring of 2022 and sailed its inaugural sailing in November 2022. This sailing went to Mexico, calling at Cozumel and Costa Maya. Richard has cruise news:
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Thu, 19 January 2023
On this episode, we get a review of a seven-night cruise aboard Norwegian Breakaway out of Florida to the western Caribbean. Adam goes over the experience his family — including two kids — had on the ship, plus gave details on Norwegian Cruise Line's private destination in Belize, Harvest Caye. |
Thu, 12 January 2023
On this episode, we get a review of a special seven-night 'The Love Boat' themed cruise aboard Princess Cruises' newest ship, Discovery Princess out of Los Angeles. We hear details on the food, entertainment, and all of the special activities that took place with the cast of 'The Love Boat.' |
Thu, 5 January 2023
A review of Royal Caribbean's Serenade of the Seas to Southeast Alaska that sailed from Vancouver, British Columbia. Richard Simms has cruise news:
Dan from TripInsurance.com drops by to answer listener questions on navigating their way around airline cancellations and delays.
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Mon, 2 January 2023
Review of Carnival Pride in Northern Europe and the Baltic. |
Thu, 29 December 2022
The top cruise news stories of 2022 and a question about visiting St. Thomas. |
Thu, 22 December 2022
A review of MSC Cruises Seashore from PortMiami that was taken in summer 2022. |
Thu, 15 December 2022
A review of Carnival Celebration's first passenger voyage: a two-week transatlantic crossing from the UK to Miami with seven sea days in a row. |
Thu, 8 December 2022
Why you need to travel with trip insurance in 2023. Richard Simms has cruise news. |
Thu, 1 December 2022
A review of Royal Caribbean's Oasis of the Seas from Bayonne, NJ. |
Thu, 24 November 2022
Looking at some of the changes of Carnival Celebration, Carnival Cruise Line's newest excel class ship. Richard Simms has cruise news on:
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Wed, 16 November 2022
The first sailing on Carnival Cruise Line's newest ship Carnival Celebration. We give some initial thoughts and feedback. |
Thu, 10 November 2022
On this week's episode, we get a review of a western Caribbean voyage out of Port Everglades aboard one of Princess Cruises' newest ships Sky Princess. This interview was recorded in May 2022. |
Thu, 3 November 2022
Details on Norwegian Cruise Line's latest ship, Norwegian Prima. Richard has cruise news:
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Thu, 27 October 2022
A review of Royal Caribbean's Jewel of the Seas from the summer 2022. |
Thu, 20 October 2022
A review of Carnival Cruise Line's ship Carnival Splendor to southeast Alaska from Seattle. This voyage was taken in summer 2022. |
Thu, 29 September 2022
We get a review of Disney Cruise Line's brand new ship Disney Wish. This was a three-night cruise to Nassau, Bahamas, and the private island Castaway Cay. Richard Simms has cruise news:
Listener Question: When is the deadline for buying travel insurance during hurricane season? -- 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. |
Thu, 22 September 2022
A review of Norwegian Cruise Line's Norwegian Spirit that sailed from Hawaii to Tahiti earlier this summer. Richard has cruise news on:
Listener Question: Regarding the NCL Platinum specialty dining perks. I will be Platinum after my cruise next month and going on the NCL Prima in January. Some of the restaurants listed like Moderno aren’t on the Prima. Any idea if we will get to choose from any of the other restaurants instead? |
Thu, 15 September 2022
A review of Royal Caribbean's Enchantment of the Seas on a nine-night cruise to Bermuda, Perfect Day at CocoCay, and the Bahamas. --- 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. |
Thu, 8 September 2022
A seven-night Western Caribbean cruise review of Carnival's Mardi Gras. --- 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. |
Thu, 1 September 2022
A seven-night review of Disney Crusie Line's Disney Fantasy. |
Thu, 25 August 2022
A 2022 review of Royal Caribbean's Harmony of the Seas from Port Canaveral, Florida. Richard has cruise news:
Listener Question: What is a cruise duck? --- 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. |
Thu, 18 August 2022
Seven-night cruise on Celebrity Eclipse to Southeast Alaska sailing from Vancouver, British Columbia. Richard has cruise news: 1. More cruise lines relax or drop vaccination mandates and pre-cruise testing 2. This past Monday, Carnival Cruise Line had a recording booking day for the first time since 2019 3. Virgin Voyages is getting a surge of a half billion dollars in fresh capital 4. An extra day for guests sailing Carnival Splendor in Australia in October 5. The rockslide in Skagway, Alaska, has closed one pier for the rest of the 2022 season 6. Princess Cruises partners with a NASCAR race team Listener Question: Should I buy the Cloud 9 Thermal Suite on Carnival in advance for $199, or will it be cheaper once onboard? We are on a week-long cruise on Carnival Panorama in October. --- Thoughts or questions? doug@cruiseradio.net Want daily cruise news? Subscribe to the Cruise Radio News podcast feed. Get in-depth cruise news and industry insight at www.cruiseradio.net. Direct download: EPI708AUG112022.mp3
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Thu, 11 August 2022
A review of a six-night Caribbean sailing on Carnival Magic from Port Canaveral. The ports of call on this sailing were Carnival's private island Half Moon Cay, Grand Turk, and Amber Cove. We get a bow-to-stern review from this family of three. Richard Simms has cruise news:
Listener Question: What are the best Haven upgrade strategies? My assumption is eggs in one basket. Daniel --- 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.
--- 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. |
Thu, 4 August 2022
A seven-night cruise on MSC Cruises MSC Lirica that was roundtrip from Athens, Greece. Richard Simms has cruise news:
Listener Q: I have a medical condition and can not get the drink package. Can my wife get one on our Royal Caribbean cruise next summer? — Tim --- 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. |
Thu, 28 July 2022
A seven-night review of Princess Cruises' Regal Princess in the Med. Richard Simms has cruise news:
Listener Q: Does NCL now have an Unlimited Starbucks Coffee Package for purchase? --- 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. |
Thu, 21 July 2022
A review of a 10-night cruise on Royal Caribbean's Voyager of the Seas. This was a Baltic cruise from Northern Europe that was very port intensive. We get a bow-to-stern review of the cruise ship and the itinerary. Richard has cruise news on:
Listener Question: I have a treatment booked in the spa, does this mean I'll be able to use the thermal suite that day? |
Thu, 14 July 2022
We get a review of an eight-night southern Caribbean voyage on Carnival Freedom out of PortMiami. Richard Simms has cruise news:
Listener Question: We are going to Bermuda this summer and keep reading that we need a health passport to get to Bermuda. Is this something that we should take care or does the cruise line satisfy it for us? — Heather --- 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. |
Thu, 7 July 2022
A seven-night review of Norwegian Breakaway from New Orleans. This was a Western Caribbean cruise with The Haven experience. Richard has cruise news on:
Listener Q: Looking at Disney Wish for our honeymoon cruise next summer. Is it really true that there's a 5,000-dollar drink onboard? And WHY? I can't be the only person fascinated by this. — Katie --- 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. |
Thu, 30 June 2022
A 2022 review of Carnival Radiance from Long Beach, California. Richard has cruise news:
Listener Q: Any idea when Carnival will bring back some of their VIFP perks? — Donna --- 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. |
Thu, 16 June 2022
A review of Discovery Princess in Alaska. Dan from TripInsurance.com answers your listener questions as the U.S. government drops restrictions on inbound COVID testings for flights. |
Thu, 9 June 2022
This week we get a review of Carnival Sunshine, a Sunshine-class ship that is sailing year-round from Charleston, South Carolina. This was a Bahamas cruise calling to Princess Cays and Nassau. Richard has cruise news on:
--- 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. |
Thu, 2 June 2022
This week we get a review of Celebrity Reflection. --- 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. |
Thu, 26 May 2022
A review of Holland America Line's 2016 built ms Koningsdam from San Diego, California. This was a California Coastal cruise with a stop in Ensenada, Mexico.
Richard has cruise news on:
Listener Question: Can I use a birth certificate to board a cruise ship? XXXX 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. |
Thu, 5 May 2022
A 2022 review of Carnival Legend, a Carnival Cruise Line Spirit-class ship. 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. |
Thu, 28 April 2022
A review of Royal Caribbean's Oasis of the Seas. -- Thoughts or questions? doug@cruiseradio.net Want daily cruise news? Subscribe to the Cruise Radio News podcast feed. Get in-depth cruise news and industry insight at www.cruiseradio.net. |
Thu, 21 April 2022
A review of Carnival Cruise Line's last Vista-class ship, Carnival Panorama. This was a seven-night cruise from Long Beach, California, to Cabo, Puerto Vallarta, and Mazatlan, Mexico. We get a comprehensive review of the cruise ship, dining onboard, and ports of call down in the Mexican Riviera. Richard Simms has cruise news:
-- 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. |
Thu, 14 April 2022
This week we get a review of Celebrity Constellation. This was an 11-night cruise from Tampa, Florida to the Caribbean and Central America. We get a full review of the ship, the destinations, and what Kirk and his wife thought of a longer-than-normal cruise. Richard Simms has cruise news on:
Listener Q: What are the requirements for iFly on Royal Caribbean's Anthem of the Seas? -- Thoughts or questions? doug@cruiseradio.net Want daily cruise news? Subscribe to the Cruise Radio News podcast feed. Get in-depth cruise news and industry insight at www.cruiseradio.net. |
Thu, 7 April 2022
We get a review of Disney Dream. This was a three-night cruise from Port Canaveral to Nassau, Bahamas, and the private island Castaway Cay.
Dan Skilken from TripInsurance.com drops by discussing the importance of travel insurance over the past few months, including the Crystal Cruises' bankruptcy, Norwegian Escape running aground, CDC lifting cruise travel advisory, and canceling an Eastern European vacation because of the conflict between Ukraine and Russia. -- 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. |
Thu, 24 March 2022
A review of Carnival Cruise Line's Miami-based Carnival Sunrise. This vessel used to be Carnival Triumph before a $200 million refurbishment in 2019. The five-night cruise stopped in Ocho Rios and Bimini Island before returning to PortMiami. ---
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. |
Thu, 17 March 2022
A review of Royal Caribbean's private island in the Bahamas, Perfect Day at CocoCay. Richard has cruise news:
Listener Question: Was your cruise on Norwegian Getaway free? -- 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. |
Thu, 10 March 2022
In this week’s episode, we speak with Adam about his five-night Mariner of the Seas voyage out of Port Canaveral in December 2021. He discusses his cabin, the ship’s food and entertainment, and what he did at Royal Caribbean’s private island Perfect Day at CocoCay. Richard has cruise news:
Listener Question: What is cruising like in 2022? -- 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. |
Thu, 3 March 2022
Chris and his wife just returned from a five-night cruise to the western Caribbean aboard Norwegian Getaway. He tells us about his experience with a Haven aft balcony suite, the dining and entertainment on the ship, and his time in Cozumel and Norwegian’s private destination in Belize, Harvest Caye. Richard has cruise news:
Listener Question: Should I prepay my gratuity or tip cash at the end? -- 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. |
Thu, 24 February 2022
After six months in service, we get a review of Virgin Voyages' newly launched Scarlet Lady. This was a five-night cruise from PortMiami to Costa Maya, Mexico, and Bimini Island. Richard has cruise news on:
Listener Question: What is the best way to bid for an upgrade on Norwegian Cruise Line? -- 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. |
Thu, 17 February 2022
Marc and his family recently returned from a six-night New Year's Eve cruise aboard Carnival Miracle from Long Beach, Califonia. This cruise went down to Cabo and Ensenada. We get a comprehensive review of the ship, what he thought of the food, the condition of the vessel, and his overall thoughts of this Carnival Miracle cruise. Richard has cruise news on:
Listener Q: What is a Carnival Sailabration cruise and are they still available to book? -- 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. |
Thu, 10 February 2022
We get a review of Norwegian Cruise Line's Norwegian Gem. This was a five-night cruise to Bermuda from New York City, with a double-dip at the island. Daniel traveled as both a solo guest and for the first time on Norwegian Cruise Line. Cruise news will return next week. Check out the Cruise News Today podcast feed or the Cruise Radio YouTube Channel for daily news. 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. |
Thu, 27 January 2022
A Sky Princess review is on deck this week with Marc. This was his very first Princess sailing and it won't be his last. The ship sailed from Port Everglades on a seven-night Eastern Caribbean itinerary with stops in Princess Cays, Nassau, Amber Cove, and Grand Turk.
Richard Simms has cruise news:
Listener Question: Will Carnival Cruise Line require a booster shot? -- 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.
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Thu, 20 January 2022
We talk with Isaiah about his recent seven-night cruise aboard Carnival Magic out of Port Canaveral, Florida. He goes over his experience in a balcony cabin for the first time, the food and entertainment onboard, and his time in the ports on this eastern Caribbean itinerary. Richard has cruise news on:
Listener question: I signed up for the free testing kit the the United States Postal Service is sending out. Will that test work for my pre-cruise testing requirement? — Billy
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Thu, 13 January 2022
Brad chats with us about his recent five-night western Caribbean cruise aboard Norwegian Cruise Line’s ship Norwegian Joy. He goes over how well guests were following COVID protocols, what dining was like, and detailed his experience with entertainment throughout the sailing. -- Thoughts or questions? doug@cruiseradio.net Want daily cruise news? Subscribe to the Cruise Radio News podcast feed. Get in-depth cruise news and industry insight at www.cruiseradio.net. |
Thu, 6 January 2022
Chad chats with us about his recent sailing aboard MSC Cruises' new ship MSC Seashore. He discusses his stay in the vessel's ship-within-a-ship complex The Yacht Club, as well as his experience with other dining, activities, and entertainment around the ship. --- 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. |
Thu, 30 December 2021
Sheldon chats with us about his experience on Celebrity Apex's third cruise ever — a six-night Greek Isles voyage out of Athens. He goes over his first impressions of the brand-new ship, his cabin with infinite veranda, the dining, entertainment, and how the extremely low capacity on board affected the sailing. Thoughts or questions? doug@cruiseradio.net Want daily cruise news? Subscribe to the Cruise Radio News podcast feed. Get in-depth cruise news and industry insight at www.cruiseradio.net. |
Wed, 22 December 2021
Richard just returned from a seven-night Eastern Caribbean cruise on Carnival Cruise Line's newest megaship Mardi Gras. This was his first cruise and two years, and he treated himself to an aft excel suite balcony. We get a comprehensive review of the ship, ports of call, and what he thoughts of BOLT the first roller coaster at sea. --- 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. |
Thu, 16 December 2021
Kevin and his family just returned from a seven-night Western Caribbean cruise on Royal Caribbean's Allure of the Seas. We get a full review of the ship, itinerary, and the new protocols that Royal has during the cruise industry restart on its largest ships. --- 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. |
Thu, 9 December 2021
Staff writer Richard Simms checks in with us from Carnival Cruise Line's newest ship Mardi Gras. He is on a seven-night cruise and gives us his first impressions and how he's enjoying his Excel suite (that includes access to Loft 19). Walter just returned from a seven-night cruise aboard Norwegian Cruise Line's Norwegian Jade from Athens, Greece. This was a Greek Isles cruise with vaccinated guests only. On top of sailing in the Mediterranean this summer, he also booked a Haven Suite. We talk about his experience and just how it was. Listener Q: Matt from Royal Caribbean Blog answers a listener question on getting a child tested for a Christmas sailing with a lot of the pharmacies being closed on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. --- Thoughts or questions? doug@cruiseradio.net Want daily cruise news? Subscribe to the Cruise Radio News podcast feed. Get in-depth cruise news and industry insight at www.cruiseradio.net. |
Thu, 2 December 2021
This week Richard Simms gets us caught up on this week's cruise news.
Listener Question: 1. We have a Carnival cruise booked out of Port Canaveral for late December. We're trying to arrange testing before we go, but are thinking about making a reservation for pier-side testing as a backup. Is there any reason we shouldn't do this? 2. I heard you can stay overnight on Ocean Cay. Is that true? --- Thoughts or questions? doug@cruiseradio.net Want daily cruise news? Subscribe to the Cruise Radio News podcast feed. Get in-depth cruise news and industry insight at www.cruiseradio.net. |
Wed, 24 November 2021
Brian and Deb just returned from the first sailing that Norwegian Cruise Line did from Port Canaveral. This was a seven-night Eastern Caribbean cruise that included St. Thomas, Tortolla, and Norwegian's private island Great Stirrup Cay. Richard Simms has cruise news:
Listener Question: Can I buy a mask on a cruise? Thoughts or questions? doug@cruiseradio.net Want daily cruise news? Subscribe to the Cruise Radio News podcast feed. Get in-depth cruise news and industry insight at www.cruiseradio.net. |
Thu, 18 November 2021
Mark just returned from a seven-night cruise aboard Royal Caribbean's Oasis of the Seas. This was a cruise that went down to the Bahamas with a brief stop in Florida. Departing out of the New York City metro area, Mark shares his thoughts, his first impressions, and what it was like being a first-time cruiser on Royal Caribbean. Thoughts or questions? doug@cruiseradio.net Want daily cruise news? Subscribe to the Cruise Radio News podcast feed. Get in-depth cruise news and industry insight at www.cruiseradio.net. |
Thu, 11 November 2021
We catch up with Holland America Line's President about the brand new ms Rotterdam and speak with Seth Wayne, Holland America Line's brand ambassador. Thoughts or questions? doug@cruiseradio.net Want daily cruise news? Subscribe to the Cruise Radio News podcast feed. Get in-depth cruise news and industry insight at www.cruiseradio.net. |
Thu, 4 November 2021
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:
Listener Question: We do not have a smartphone, do we have to use the Ocean Medallion token on Princess Cruises? Thoughts or questions? doug@cruiseradio.net Want daily cruise news? Subscribe to the Cruise Radio News podcast feed. Get in-depth cruise news and industry insight at www.cruiseradio.net. |
Thu, 28 October 2021
A review of Carnival Cruise Line's newest mega-ship Mardi Gras. This was a seven-night Western Caribbean sailing from Port Canaveral. This is a special interview because our guest is legally blind and his wife is blind. We go into detail about Carnival's special needs department and how the line accommodates ADA requests. Richard Simms has cruise news:
Listener Question: I read in one of your articles that on Mardi Gras, you can use the Hub App to order food and have it delivered anywhere on the ship. I always get hungry halfway through a show... can I have a snack delivered to the theater? Thoughts or questions? doug@cruiseradio.net Want daily cruise news? Subscribe to the Cruise Radio News podcast feed. Get in-depth cruise news and industry insight at www.cruiseradio.net. |
Thu, 21 October 2021
A review of Princess Cruises Majestic Princess. This ship was built for Asia and has been sailing in the region since 2017, until the pandemic. In the summer of 2021, Majestic Princess start sailing Alaska, and then was repositioned to Los Angeles. Next summer, the ship will head back to Alaska offering seven-night voyages to the last frontier. Richard Simms has cruise news on:
Listener Q: Does the Royal Caribbean Ultimate Dining Package work for all the venues onboard, even the a la carte. Thoughts or questions? doug@cruiseradio.net Want daily cruise news? Subscribe to the Cruise Radio News podcast feed. Get in-depth cruise news and industry insight at www.cruiseradio.net.
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Thu, 14 October 2021
A review of Norwegian Cruise Line's Norwegian Encore. This ship was launched in 2019 and only sailed a couple of months before the cruise industry shutdown. William and his family sailed this seven-night cruise to Southeast Alaska from Seattle. Richard has cruise news on:
Listener Questions: If you've got a minute could you tell me if the Covid home test for Royal Caribbean can be done anytime during the day/night. We are heading to Miami 2 days before sailing and need to be at the airport by 9:00 a.m. Thursday (sailing Saturday). Would be nice if we could use the test kit around 7 a.m. — Carol 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. |
Thu, 7 October 2021
A review of Royal Caribbean's Freedom of the Seas. This was a four night cruise to Perfect Day at CocoCay and Nassau, Bahamas from Miami, Florida. Richard Simms has cruise news. Listener Q: What is the best cruise to take to see if I even like cruising? Thoughts or questions? doug@cruiseradio.net Want daily cruise news? Subscribe to the Cruise Radio News podcast feed. Get in-depth cruise news and industry insight at www.cruiseradio.net. |
Thu, 30 September 2021
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:
Listener Q: What is the best way to use my onboard credit? Thoughts or questions? doug@cruiseradio.net Want daily cruise news? Subscribe to the Cruise Radio News podcast feed. Get in-depth cruise news and industry insight at www.cruiseradio.net. |
Thu, 23 September 2021
Kirk just returned from a seven-night Alaska cruise on Celebrity Millennium from Seattle, Washington. We get a full review of sailing Alaska in 2021 and if cruising to the last frontier is different. Richard Simms has cruise news:
Listener Question: What is the feedback from cruise passengers taking the at-home COVID-19 test? — Anne Thoughts or questions? doug@cruiseradio.net Want daily cruise news? Subscribe to the Cruise Radio News podcast feed. Get in-depth cruise news and industry insight at www.cruiseradio.net. |
Thu, 16 September 2021
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:
Listener Question: What is the best option for taking my pre-cruise COVID test before embarking from Port Canaveral, Florida on a seven-night cruise? — Mark Thoughts or questions? doug@cruiseradio.net Want daily cruise news? Subscribe to the Cruise Radio News podcast feed. Get in-depth cruise news and industry insight at www.cruiseradio.net. |
Thu, 9 September 2021
In August, Daniel and his eight-year-old daughter took a four-night cruise aboard Disney Dream — their first cruise in 20 months. He joins us on the show to discuss how embarkation differed from the last time he sailed, the dining experience, the entertainment quality, and the sailing’s double-dip at Disney’s private island Castaway Cay. Thoughts or questions? doug@cruiseradio.net Want daily cruise news? Subscribe to the Cruise Radio News podcast feed. Get in-depth cruise news and industry insight at www.cruiseradio.net.
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Thu, 2 September 2021
In the episode, we interview Kerry about his seven-night Western Caribbean cruise aboard Norwegian Gem. This was the first Norwegian Cruise Line ship to depart Florida since the shutdown in March 2020. Kerry also discusses what life was like on board during the seven-night voyage and the kind of health protocols the company has in place. We also learn what it was like being in the Caribbean while a hurricane is spinning around. Thoughts or questions? doug@cruiseradio.net Want daily cruise news? Subscribe to the Cruise Radio News podcast feed. Get in-depth cruise news and industry insight at www.cruiseradio.net.
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Thu, 26 August 2021
Cruise writer Dave Monk recently took one of Virgin Voyages’ first revenue sailings ever out of Portsmouth, England. Sailing a four-night “cruise to nowhere” aboard the line’s first ship, Scarlet Lady, he had plenty of time to explore and check out its various offerings. In this interview, he offers his impressions of this trip vs. his first time on board last year, the dining options, whether the ship REALLY doesn’t have a buffet, and what amenities the ship has for passengers to enjoy. Dave also discusses who the cruise line’s target audience is and goes over how to decide whether or not a Virgin Voyages cruise is right for you — because it’s quite different than any other cruise line in the world. Thoughts or questions? doug@cruiseradio.net Want daily cruise news? Subscribe to the Cruise Radio News podcast feed. Get in-depth cruise news and industry insight at www.cruiseradio.net. |
Thu, 19 August 2021
Today we get a review of Celebrity Equinox. This is Celebrity Cruises' second cruise ship sailing from Florida. The cruise was a seven-night sailing to the Eastern Caribbean. This was a last-minute cruise for John and his wife, booking just a week before the ship set sail. We get a comprehensive review of the ship, the itinerary, and health protocols as ships return to sailing again. Thoughts or questions? doug@cruiseradio.net Want daily cruise news? Subscribe to the Cruise Radio News podcast feed. Get in-depth cruise news and industry insight at www.cruiseradio.net. |
Thu, 12 August 2021
Ashley Kosciolek from The Points Guy, and Doug answer listener questions about Carnival Cruise Line's newest mega-ship Mardi Gras. Richard has cruise news on:
Question: How do we know the protocols in each port of call we visit. Thoughts or questions? doug@cruiseradio.net Want daily cruise news? Subscribe to the Cruise Radio News podcast feed. Get in-depth cruise news and industry insight at www.cruiseradio.net. |
Thu, 5 August 2021
A sneak look at Carnival Cruise Line's maiden voyage of Mardi Gras, the ship that holds the same name as the company's first vessel in 1972. Thoughts or questions? doug@cruiseradio.net Want daily cruise news? Subscribe to the Cruise Radio News podcast feed. Get in-depth cruise news and industry insight at www.cruiseradio.net. |
Thu, 29 July 2021
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:
Question: How strict have the cruise lines been on embarkation and arriving at your appointment times? Diane Thoughts or questions? doug@cruiseradio.net Want daily cruise news? Subscribe to the Cruise Radio News podcast feed. Get in-depth cruise news and industry insight at www.cruiseradio.net. |
Thu, 22 July 2021
This week we get a review of Royal Caribbean's Freedom of the Seas. This was a four-night cruise that called to private island Perfect Day at CocoCay and Nassau, Bahamas. Freedom is one of the Royal Caribbean was one of the ships that conducted a simulated voyage so it could allow more unvaccinated guests to board, most of them being families with kids under 12. Stewart Chiron the Cruise Guy is sailing in the Aegean Sea on Celebrity Apex this week. We catch up with him while on a sea day between cruise ports. Thoughts or questions? doug@cruiseradio.net Want daily cruise news? Subscribe to the Cruise Radio News podcast feed. Get in-depth cruise news and industry insight at www.cruiseradio.net.
Celebrity Apex check-in |
Thu, 15 July 2021
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:
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. |
Thu, 8 July 2021
Just back from Celebrity Cruises' first ship revenue sailing back from the United States that took place aboard Celebrity Edge. This was a seven-night Western Caribbean sailing to Mexico and Nassau, Bahamas. In this show we talk about how cruising is different, how is it the same, and what are the major changes. Thoughts or questions? doug@cruiseradio.net Want daily cruise news? Subscribe to the Cruise Radio News podcast feed. Get in-depth cruise news and industry insight at www.cruiseradio.net. |
Thu, 1 July 2021
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 Want daily cruise news? Subscribe to the Cruise Radio News podcast feed. Get in-depth cruise news and industry insight at www.cruiseradio.net. |
Thu, 17 June 2021
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:
Question: What is the best embarkation appointment to select? Thoughts or questions? doug@cruiseradio.net Want daily cruise news? Subscribe to the Cruise Radio News podcast feed. Get in-depth cruise news and industry insight at www.cruiseradio.net. |
Thu, 10 June 2021
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:
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. |
Thu, 3 June 2021
This week we’ve put together a very special episode of Cruise Radio to honor and celebrate the life of ‘The Love Boat’ actor Gavin MacLeod, who passed away on May 29 at the age of 90. Best known as Captain Stubing. You’ll hear from a variety of individuals in the cruise industry who were personally impacted by MacLeod throughout the years, and have the chance to listen to an interview I did with him aboard Royal Princess in 2013. We here at Cruise Radio are grateful for the legacy he’s left behind, and are thankful he’s in heaven now with Jesus. Thoughts or questions? doug@cruiseradio.net Want daily cruise news? Subscribe to the Cruise Radio News podcast feed. Get in-depth cruise news and industry insight at www.cruiseradio.net. |
Thu, 27 May 2021
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:
Listener Question: What is the weather like in Southeast Alaska for late August? — Nicole Thoughts or questions? doug@cruiseradio.net Want daily cruise news? Subscribe to the Cruise Radio News podcast feed. Get in-depth cruise news and industry insight at www.cruiseradio.net. |
Thu, 20 May 2021
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:
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 Want daily cruise news? Subscribe to the Cruise Radio News podcast feed. Get in-depth cruise news and industry insight at www.cruiseradio.net.
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Thu, 13 May 2021
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:
Listener Question: What recommendation do you have for a woman who's in her 60s and wants to cruise solo? |
Thu, 6 May 2021
To avoid going completely insane during the industry shutdown, I decided to take a land cruise across America. Nancy Schretter from the Family Travel Network interviews me about the road trip to Las Vegas, the Grand Canyon, and the Petrified Forest National Park. If you're looking for cruise news this week, be sure to check out the daily Cruise Radio News Briefs where you listen to your favorite podcasts or on the Cruise Radio YouTube Channel. Thoughts or questions? doug@cruiseradio.net Want daily cruise news? Subscribe to the Cruise Radio News podcast feed. Get in-depth cruise news and industry insight at www.cruiseradio.net. |
Wed, 28 April 2021
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 Want daily cruise news? Subscribe to the Cruise Radio News podcast feed. Get in-depth cruise news and industry insight at www.cruiseradio.net. |
Thu, 22 April 2021
Travel insurance is more important than ever now. And policies have changed during the pandemic. Some items that used to be covered may not be covered, as well as certain clauses have been put in place. And finally, what you should you know and consider before booking your next travel insurance policy. Sherry has cruise news:
Listener Question: What should we know about getting to the island of St. John when docking in St. Thomas? — Jeff Thoughts or questions? doug@cruiseradio.net Want daily cruise news? Subscribe to the Cruise Radio News podcast feed. Get in-depth cruise news and industry insight at www.cruiseradio.net. |
Thu, 15 April 2021
We talk in detail about Royal Caribbean Adventure of the Seas. This is one of Royal Caribbean's first ships sailing for US residents. Where are the quiet spots, how does it manage passenger flow and any special spots that stick out. Sherry has cruise news on:
Listener Question: I took a cruise in 2005 aboard the Norwegian Wind out of Honolulu that had a foreign port stop at Fanning Island (Kiribati, Gilbert Islands). Whatever happened to Fanning Island? Will it ever be a cruise stop again? - Paul Thoughts or questions? doug@cruiseradio.net Want daily cruise news? Subscribe to the Cruise Radio News podcast feed. Get in-depth cruise news and industry insight at www.cruiseradio.net. |
Thu, 1 April 2021
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:
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 Want daily cruise news? Subscribe to the Cruise Radio News podcast feed. Get in-depth cruise news and industry insight at www.cruiseradio.net. |
Thu, 25 March 2021
Q: Long-time listener here wondering IF the cruise ship restrictions voted on in Key West stay in place (not overturned by Florida's legislature) can any of the major cruise line ships call on Key West? I know the mega-ships are out, but how about some of the older classes of ships? — Brian Q: Hi. Last week Shery mentioned Europe land/cruising. In 2022, we are looking to spend a couple of months in Europe. Is it better to start in the north or the south? - Di
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Thu, 18 March 2021
This week we catch up with Sherry Laskin with a busy week of cruise news. Sherry has news on:
Listener Question #1: What's the difference between a passport card and a regular passport? We are traveling to the Bahamas next summer. -Leeann Listener Question #2: How kid-friendly of a cruise line is Cunard? We are looking for a family reunion cruise with 30 people, half of them are under 35. - Dave Thoughts or questions? doug@cruiseradio.net Want daily cruise news? Subscribe to the Cruise Radio News podcast feed. Get in-depth cruise news and industry insight at www.cruiseradio.net. |
Thu, 11 March 2021
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:
Listener Question: How does Carnival Cruise Line's shareholder credit work? -- 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. |
Thu, 4 March 2021
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:
Question: What are your thoughts on catching an 11:35 flight out of Miami on disembarkation morning? -- 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. |
Thu, 25 February 2021
Carnival Cruise Line released return-to-cruise protocols, then hours later it was rescinded. We break down what the rules initially said and why they were quickly taken down. Some of the protocols touched on gaming, swimming, and onboard activities. Sherry Laskin has cruise news:
Listener Question: I haven't heard anything about NCL Pride of America. Is there any discussion about restarting these cruises at all? -- Thoughts or questions? doug@cruiseradio.net Want daily cruise news? Subscribe to the Cruise Radio News podcast feed. Get in-depth cruise news and industry insight at www.cruiseradio.net. |
Thu, 18 February 2021
A review of Seabourn Sojourn on an 11-night sailing from Vancouver, BC to Anchorage, Alaska on a luxury cruise line. Find out what the difference is between a regular Alaska cruise and taking the luxury route. Sherry Laskin has cruise news:
Listener Question: I have a cruise booked for December 2021, and haven’t really been shopping around outside of that. My question is, should we expect prices to rise due to ships not filling all the rooms? There is such a pent-up desire to cruise, I’m afraid the competition will be steep for a while. -Kayla -- 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. |
Thu, 11 February 2021
We get a review of a cruise aboard Norwegian Epic. This was a seven-night sailing from Rome that hit all the popular ports of call. We learn what it is like sailing Norwegian Cruise Line in Europe and how it differs, if at all, from sailing in the Caribbean. Sherry Laskin has cruise news:
Listener Question: I am curious about this Titanic II ship. Was wondering if this for real? Mike -- 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. |
Thu, 4 February 2021
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:
Listener Question: Will the CDC still have jurisdiction to enforce the mask mandate when the ship is in international waters? Or would a mandatory vaccine allow the cruise lines to avoid the mandate? -- Thoughts or questions? doug@cruiseradio.net Want daily cruise news? Subscribe to the Cruise Radio News podcast feed. Get in-depth cruise news and industry insight at www.cruiseradio.net. |
Thu, 28 January 2021
We get a review of Princess Cruises' Sky Princess. This was a 14-night cruise that consisted of a back-to-back seven-night to the Eastern and Western Caribbean, stopping at all the popular islands. Sherry Laskin has cruise news:
Listener Question: Are the perks really worth it? It seems like it's actually cheaper buying the perks a la carte instead of all-inclusive pricing. -- Thoughts or questions? doug@cruiseradio.net Want daily cruise news? Subscribe to the Cruise Radio News podcast feed. Get in-depth cruise news and industry insight at www.cruiseradio.net. |
Thu, 21 January 2021
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:
Listener Question: I currently have a Disney Cruise scheduled for Aug 28th and only have paid the deposit. Do you think I should pay the balance or wait till closer to the due date in April? I’ll be honest...I don’t know how ready I’ll be to cruise, if things don’t get better. Will I get my money back if I change my mind? -- Thoughts or questions? doug@cruiseradio.net Want daily cruise news? Subscribe to the Cruise Radio News podcast feed. Get in-depth cruise news and industry insight at www.cruiseradio.net. |
Thu, 14 January 2021
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:
Listener Q: -- 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. |