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 

• The CDC has changed some rather important guidance. 
• Florida is heated and things could get there in Alaska
• More cancellations 
• A big payday for one cruise line executive 
• A royal ship plans to move to the west coast sooner than expected

Listener Question:

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? 

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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. 

We get a review of a cruise aboard Norwegian Epic. This was a seven-night sailing from Rome that hit all the popular ports of call. We learn what it is like sailing Norwegian Cruise Line in Europe and how it differs, if at all, from sailing in the Caribbean. 

Sherry Laskin has cruise news: 

• Carnival reveals details about a space onboard the upcoming Mardi Gras 
• Carnival publishes return to cruise protocols early, then pulls them off the website. 
• Mexico is suggesting that some cruise lines homeport in Cozumel 
• The future looks grim for the Alaska 2021 cruise season 
• Viking Cruises starts construction on the new ship 

Listener Question: I am curious about this Titanic II ship. Was wondering if this for real? Mike 

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Thoughts or questions? doug@cruiseradio.net 

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 

We get a review of Princess Cruises' Sky Princess. This was a 14-night cruise that consisted of a back-to-back seven-night to the Eastern and Western Caribbean, stopping at all the popular islands. 

Sherry Laskin has cruise news: 

• Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings is getting closer to having all crew members vaccinated
• Carnival Cruise Line delays a few dry docks and pushes the inaugural sailing of Mardi Gras
• One cruise ship goes from one cruise line to another 
• The cancellations already start for the 2021 Alaska cruise season 
• Celebrity pulls a ship from Europe and repositions it to the Caribbean for summer 2021

Listener Question: Are the perks really worth it? It seems like it's actually cheaper buying the perks a la carte instead of all-inclusive pricing. 

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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?

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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 

A review of Norwegian Jade. This was not your average Norwegian Cruise Line sailing. The annual Star Trek cruise went to where no man has gone before. We get a comprehensive review of the cruise ship, the theme cruise, and the ports of call this ship went.

Sherry has cruise news: 

Listener Question: Is there any benefit of a solo cabin on NCL if it’s almost the same price as a regular cabin?

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Thoughts or questions? doug@cruiseradio.net 

A 2020 review of Norwegian Breakaway to the Eastern Caribbean. This was a seven-night honeymoon cruise was from PortMiami. On top of it being the start of a new life, this was the husband's first time ever on a cruise ship. We get a comprehensive review of the ports of call, the dining, entertainment, and the overall cruise experience. 

Richard has cruise news: 

• Cruise lines are now part of the 2020 cancel culture 
• The no-sail order has expired, but now we have a conditional sail order in its place 
• A new medical testing laboratory is on a Viking Ocean cruise ship 
• Upgrades have been spotted at Port Everglades during the shutdown 
• The Bahamas now requires a special health travel visa to visit 

Listener Question: Our Bahamas cruise was canceled for December, can we still fly to Nassau, Bahamas? - April

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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

A five-night cruise out of Miami on Disney Cruise Line's Disney Magic. The cruise went out of PortMiami to the Bahamas. We get a comprehensive review of the ship and what Marvel at Sea days are like. This was the very last cruise for Disney before the cruise industry shutdown in the United States. 

Richard has cruise news on:

• Carnival Cruise Line also extended cancellations through November 2020 
• Mardi Gras completes sea trials in the Baltic Sea 
• Celebrity Apex arrives the Bahamas and readies for cruises 
• Another cruise ship debuted for the UK 
• Florida mayor reaffirms commitment to the cruise industry's restart 
• A cryptocurrency cruise ship could be coming soon 

Listener Question:  I have a Norwegian Cruise Line Cruise Next certificate, but it's about to expire. What should I do?

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Thoughts or questions? doug@cruiseradio.net 

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

A Celebrity Edge review from March 2020. This was the last cruise before the cruise industry shutdown. Ashley gives a comprehensive review of Celebrity's newest cruise ship and what the onboard experience was like. 

Sherry has cruise news: 

• Carnival's Brand Ambassador said they could be returning to sea sooner than people think
• It's back to sea for one Carnival Corporation line
• Royal Caribbean CEO weighs in on returning to service
• Ghostship tours are a thing in the UK 
• One cruise line settles lawsuit with crew members 

Question: Is it a good idea to sail on the first cruise post-dry dock? I’ve heard there could be plumbing issues and them still trying to put things together while the first sailing is going on.

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Thoughts or questions? doug@cruiseradio.net 

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

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

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

A review of Royal Caribbean's Radiance of the Seas. This was a nine-night cruise from Australia.

Sherry has cruise news on: 

• Cruise port could remain closed until 2022
• Two Carnival Corp ships find a new home
• Carnival releases name of the upcoming ship 
• Former Carnival ship awaits fate
• Good news from MSC but also a delay  

Question: Is it okay to tip at the begging and the end of the cruise?

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Thoughts or questions? doug@cruiseradio.net 

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

Since MSC Cruises returned to cruising this past week, it's only appropriate to get a review of the MSC Meraviglia. Sheri and her family had an opportunity to sail the Yacht Club (ship within a ship concept) in the Mediterranean. We get a full review of one of MSC Cruises' newest ships. 

Sherry has cruise news: 

• Cruises are officially underway in Europe and a couple was kicked off the ship 
• Cruise line cleared of health incident 
• Carnival Corp compromised by hackers 
• Grand Cayman tells cruise ships no 
• Carnival Corp gives a financial update 

Listener Q:  We are in the early planning stages of our 2022 summer cruise. We are older and do not like crowds and crazy traffic. What is easier to navigate - Port Canaveral or Fort Lauderdale? 

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Thoughts or questions? doug@cruiseradio.net 

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 

A 2020 review of Norwegian Cruise Lines Norwegian Gem. this was a 10-night cruise from New York City that went to the Southern Caribbean. 

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

PJ shares his experience of being on the last Disney Cruise Line ship before the industry shutdown. This is a seven-night review of Disney Fantasy that went down to the Eastern Caribbean with a stop at private island Castaway Cay.  

Sherry has cruise news: 

• CDC extending the No Sail Order, again 
• Carnival is almost done with crew repatriation 
• Grand Bahama Island on two-week lockdown
• Carnival Inspiration heads to the scrapyard 
• Two former Holland America ships find a new home 
• Update on two new cruise ships 

Listener Q: Can I transfer my future cruise credit and onboard credit to a travel agent — if so, what are the steps? 

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Thoughts or questions? doug@cruiseradio.net 

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? 

A review of Carnival Cruise Line's ship Carnival Sunrise for a Canada/New England itinerary. This ship used to be Carnival Triumph before it underwent a $200 million renovation in 2019. The ship splits time between New York, Virginia, and Florida. 

Sherry Laskin has cruise news on: 

• This could be the end for Carnival Fantasy
• Key West looking to ban large cruise ships 
• Florida based cruise line extends cruise suspension 
• Carnival CEO shares optimism in an earnings call 
• The caribbean island makes masks mandatory for visitors 

Listener Question: What do all the added taxes and fees go to when you buy a cruise? Sometimes they are 25% of the cruise fare. - Steve

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Thoughts or questions? doug@cruiseradio.net 

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 

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

Sherry has cruise news: 

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

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

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Thoughts or questions? doug@cruiseradio.net 

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

Date: June 21, 2020

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

Sherry Laskin has cruise news: 

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

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

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Thoughts or questions? doug@cruiseradio.net 

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

Date: June 14, 2020

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

Sherry has cruise news: 

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

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

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Thoughts or questions? doug@cruiseradio.net 

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

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

Richard has cruise news:

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

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

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Thoughts or questions? doug@cruiseradio.net 

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

Date: May 31, 2020

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

Date: May 24, 2020 

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

Sherry has cruise news:

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

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

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

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

Date: May 17, 2020

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

Sherry has cruise news: 

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

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

Hear Cruise Director Kabir's podcast here. 

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

Find more information about travel insurance policies here.

Date: May 10, 2020

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

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

Date: May 3, 2020

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

Sherry has cruise news on: 

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

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

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

Listener Question:

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

Date: April 26, 2020

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

Sherry has cruise news: 

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

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

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

Special guests this weekend: 

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

Date: April 19, 2020 

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

Sherry has cruise news: 

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

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

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Thoughts or questions? doug@cruiseradio.net 

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

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

Date: April 13, 2020

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

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

Date: April 12, 2020

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

Sherry has cruise news: 

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

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

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

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

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

Date: April 5, 2020 

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

Sherry Laskin has cruise news on: 

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

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

I want you to imagine your dream cruise ship.

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

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

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

Date: March 29, 2020 

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

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Thoughts or questions? doug@cruiseradio.net 

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

Sherry Laskin has cruise news on: 

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

Listener questions: 

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

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Thoughts or questions? doug@cruiseradio.net 

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

Date: March 22, 2020

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

Sherry has cruise news on: 

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

Listener Questions: 

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

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

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Thoughts or questions? doug@cruiseradio.net 

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

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

Date: March 15, 2020 

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

Sherry has cruise news: 

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

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

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Thoughts or questions? doug@cruiseradio.net 

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

Date: March 8, 2020

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

Richard has cruise news on: 

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

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

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Thoughts or questions? doug@cruiseradio.net 

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

Date: March 2, 2020

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

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

Sherry has cruise news on: 

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

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

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Thoughts or questions? doug@cruiseradio.net 

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

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

Send your questions to doug@cruiseradio.net.  

Date: February 23, 2020

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

Email your questions to doug@cruiseradio.net. 

Date: February 16, 2020

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

Sherry has cruise news on: 

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

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

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

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

Sherry has cruise news on: 

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

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

Thoughts or questions? doug@cruiseradio.net 

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

Date: February 2, 2020

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

Date: January 19, 2020

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

Date: January 12, 2020

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

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

Date: January 5, 2019

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

Richard has cruise news on: 

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

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

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

Sherry Laskin stops by with cruise news: 

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

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

Date: December 29, 2019

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

Thoughts or questions? doug@cruiseradio.net 

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Cruise industry analyst Stewart Chiron joins us to talk about the accident involving Carnival Glory and Carnival Legend in Cozumel, Mexico. We also talk about the shipyard delay of Mardi Gras and how it's impacting guests and Carnival Corporation's end of the year earnings call. 

Date: December 22, 2019