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

Date: September 13, 2020

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

Date: August 30, 2020

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

Date: August 29, 2020

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

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

Date: August 16, 2020

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

Sherry has cruise news: 

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

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

--

Thoughts or questions? doug@cruiseradio.net 

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

Date: August 9, 2020 

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

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

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

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

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

Date: August 2, 2020 

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

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

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

Date: July 25, 2020

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

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

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

Date: July 12, 2020 

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

Date: July 5, 2020

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

Sherry Laskin has cruise news: 

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

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

--

Thoughts or questions? doug@cruiseradio.net 

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

Date: June 28, 2020 

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

Date: June 21, 2020

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

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

Date: May 31, 2020

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

Date: May 24, 2020 

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

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

Date: May 17, 2020

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

Sherry has cruise news: 

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

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

Hear Cruise Director Kabir's podcast here. 

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

Find more information about travel insurance policies here.

Date: May 10, 2020

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

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

Date: May 3, 2020

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

Listener Question:

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

Date: April 26, 2020

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

Special guests this weekend: 

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

Date: April 19, 2020 

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

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

Date: April 13, 2020

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

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

Date: April 12, 2020

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

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

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

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

Date: April 5, 2020 

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

I want you to imagine your dream cruise ship.

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

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

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

Date: March 29, 2020 

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

Sherry Laskin has cruise news on: 

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

Listener questions: 

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

---

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. 

---

Thoughts or questions? doug@cruiseradio.net 

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

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

Date: March 15, 2020 

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

Date: March 8, 2020

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? 

---

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

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

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

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

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

MSC Cruises opened its private island Ocean Cay Marine Reserve on December 5, and we talk all things new island with Ken Musket, COO of MSC Cruises USA. 

Plus, a brief chat with a passenger who was on board MSC Meraviglia with us, and his experience. 

Date: December 8, 2019 

We get the latest cruise news from Sherry Laskin. Some sound bytes from Vanna White on her thoughts of being the godmother of Carnival Panorama. And Are Cyber Monday cruise deals really worth it? We break it down. 

Date: December 1, 2019 

Art Sbarsky is a retired cruise industry executive who spent years working for Celebrity Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line and Crystal Cruises. We caught up with him in the Observation Lounge on Norwegian Encore. 

You can listen to Art Sbarsky’s last interview with us here (click the link): http://traffic.libsyn.com/cruiseradioshow/BONUS3APR3017.mp3 

Want to hear more shows like this? Let me know: doug@cruiseradio.net. 

Sherry Laskin stops by with her weekend update. We talk about Carnival Cruise Line switching up its soda selection from Coke to PepsiCo. Also, MSC Cruises delaying the grand opening of their private island again. And we talk about a travel insurance story that a listener sent in. Dan Skilken from TripInsurance.com stops by to help unpack the story and what could have been done differently. The devil is in the details of travel insurance policies. 

Date: November 17, 2019

Sharon returned to Freeport Bahamas shortly after it reopened to cruise ship traffic after Hurricane Dorian. She was traveling on Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line's Grand Celebration on a two-night cruise to Freeport from Palm Beach. We get a first-hand account of what Grand Bahama Island is like after suffering the wratch of Hurricane Dorian in early September. 

Date: November 3, 2019

This is a review of an eleven-night cruise on Celebrity Eclipse from Vancouver to Hawaii. This cruise had five sea days upfront then four ports in a row with a couple of overnights. 

Date: October 27, 2019

Guests onboard Norwegian Spirit missed five ports in Northern Europe because of bad weather and the guests onboard did not appreciate it. Even though the weather is beyond the cruise lines control, these guests were no thrilled and staged a riot in the ship's main atrium. After hours of protesting, Norwegian Cruise Line eventually gave them a 25% future cruise credit.

Matt Rogers is currently sailing on Norwegian Spirit and we get the details live on location. And Stewart Chiron, American's Most Quoted Cruise Expert stops by the give details of the cruise contract. 

Date: October 13, 2019

A review of a family who sailed on MSC Cruises' MSC Seaside on a seven-night Eastern Caribbean cruise. A couple of things make this interview unique. AJ and his wife are both legally blind, and they stayed in the yacht club with their two children. The also missed a port of call because of political unrest in San Juan, Puerto Rico. We get the details of the sailing and see if MSC has improved their North American experience over the years. 

Date: October 6, 2019

Pros and Cons of our Canada/New England cruise aboard Carnival Sunrise. The ports of call on this sailing were Halifax, Nova Scotia; Saint John, New Brunswick; Portland, Maine; and Boston, Massachusetts. 

Date: September 29, 2019

A review of a nine-night Baltic cruise on Norwegian Getaway. Getaway was launched in 2014 with Norwegian Cruise Line. The ship underwent a renovation in early 2019 to get some new enhancements like Norman's Pour House bar and a Starbucks. 

Date: September 22, 2019 

We get a back to back review of two Princess Cruise ships. Coral Princess and Ruby Princess. These were loyalty program building cruises for these guests. Princess Cruises accepts the number of cruises or cruise days sailed for their loyalty program. They started their voyage in Los Angelos, sailed to Vancouver, and then to Seattle on two different ships. Hear their experience. 

Date: September 15, 2019

We talk go off the record with a cruise ship crew member to find out what life is like below deck, how gratuities are really distributed, and how they get paid. 

Date: August 25, 2019

Stewart Chiron, America's Most Quoted Cruise Expert, stops by to share his thoughts on the Venice cruise ship ban, cruise line pricing, investing money in private islands in the Bahamas, and a look ahead at the cruise industry. 

Date: August 18, 2019

We get a review of a 12-night cruise in the Mediterranean from Venice from Barcelona. The ship was Holland America Line's ms Veendam. 

Date: August 11, 2019 

On this rewind episode, we go answer your listener questions. Norwegian Cruise Line steakhouse, getting on a ship to take a tour without sailing, cruising with a disability, Royal Caribbean's The Key Program, and issues with New York travel insurance. 

Submit your questions to doug@cruiseradio.net. 

Date: August 4, 2019

What is it like sailing Cunard's Queen Mary 2. Sharon just returned from a seven-night sailing from New York City to Canada/New England and she talks about her sailing as a first-timer sailing Cunard Line. She discusses what it was like sailing Cunard line and how it differs from the mass market cruise lines that she is used to sailing. 

Date: July 28, 2019 

Support our sponsor: Audible

Get a free audiobook download and a 30-day trial at http://audibletrial.com/cruise.

Joseph Farcus is a legend in the cruise industry. He designed every Carnival Cruise Line ship from 1977 to 2011, and stayed with Carnival Corporation until he retired in 2014.

Joseph recently published a book called Design on the High Seas, and he joins me to talk about the book and gives us a look behind the curtain.

He also discusses how he designed the signature Carnival funnel, why so many Carnival Cruise Line ships have neon and other questions.

Amazon link to Design on the High Seas. 

Date: July 21, 2019 

Support our sponsor: Audible

Get a free audiobook download and a 30-day trial at http://audibletrial.com/cruise.

Going behind the headlines on this week's cruise industry news.

• Royal Caribbean's pricing error on the drink package, will they eventually make good on it?
• Carnival Cruise Line changes their specialty dining program - what's going to be different?
• A first for the cruise industry dry dock is going to happen with Carnival Vista on July 12.
• And Norwegian Cruise Line has canceled their July 5 sailing because of unforeseen mechanical issues. 

Date: July 3, 2019

Support our sponsor: Audible

Get a free audiobook download and a 30-day trial at http://audibletrial.com/cruise.

This week we go back to an interview that Matt and I did back in January 2012. This was when the cruise ship Costa Concordia sank off the coast of Italy. We interviewed a passenger who was on the ship at the time of sinking and he gave us a play-by-play of what actually happened. 

Support our sponsor: Audible

Get a free audiobook download and a 30-day trial at http://audibletrial.com/cruise.

Tommy was on the very last cruise ship into Cuba. He talks about what it was like being there when the Cuba ban was announced and also gives us a review of Norwegian Sky. Norwegian Sky sails year-round from Miami, Florida. 

Tommy is the host of the Always Be Booked podcast. 

Piloting a ship is a dangerous job that requires a lot of training. We sit down and have a chat in studio with river pilot Captain Eric Bryson. Captain Bryson answers our questions on what it's like making that leap from the PILOT boat to the cruise ship, navigating mega ships, and the training required. This interview originally aired in spring 2011. 

Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line isn't your typical cruise line. They have two cruise ships based in Palm Beach, Florida and do two-night cruises to Freeport, Bahamas. One of their ships is an old Carnival Cruise Line ship (Carnival Celebration) and the other is an old Costa Cruises ship (neoClassica). Today's review is of the Grand Classica.

We learn how is compares to mass market cruise ship, are the procedures the same, and what the experience was like. 

Action News Meteorologist Greg Dee answers a question about the high winds that caused a cruise ship delay in New York City.

Sherry has cruise news on: 

• Norwegian Cruise Line ship was cut short due to high winds 
• The port of Nassau will get a new cruise pier 
• One cruise line made gratuities mandatory and then reversed it 
• Navigator of the Seas is out of dry dock and ready to sail from Port Miami
• Carnival Cruise Line adds new dessert menu

Listener question on tipping luggage handlers at the pier. 

---

Meteorologist Greg Dees answers the question on why Royal Caribbean and Norwegian Cruise Line always miss their private island because of weather. And lightning in the Gulf of Mexico. 

Colleen McDaniel from Cruise Critic joins us to talk about the big winners in their 2018 Editors' Picks Awards. 

Sherry Laskin has cruise news on:

• Itineraries for Carnival Cruise Line's new Carnival Mardi Gras
• Princess Cruises private destination Princess Cays caught fire 
• Virgin Voyages is rolling gratuities into the cruise fare 
• Princess announces the largest balconies at sea 

Shelly from CruisingExcursions answers some listener questions on some cruisers sailings to Rome, Athens, Mallorca, and Mykonos. 

Thoughts or questions? doug@cruiseradio.net 

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

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

Bonus Cruise Radio episode. Royal Caribbean's Oasis of the Seas had to end their cruise a day early after a norovirus outbreak of almost 500 guests onboard. We talk to a guest who just returned from the ship and gives us a play by play of what happened during the sailing. Also we talk to a Commander at the Center for Disease Control and Prevention who heads up the Vessel Sanitation Program.

Video on the return of Oasis of the Seas: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W8OvqRq3SvU&t 

--

Thoughts or questions? doug@cruiseradio.net 

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

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

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

--

Thoughts or questions? doug@cruiseradio.net 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

--

Thoughts or questions? doug@cruiseradio.net 

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

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

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

--

Thoughts or questions? doug@cruiseradio.net 

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

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

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

--

Thoughts or questions? doug@cruiseradio.net 

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

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

Cruise Radio News Brief - December 2, 2018. Carnival Cruise Line has three major changes that all take place in December. Virgin Voyages is building a massive cruise terminal in Miami and committing ships to the South Florida cruise port. Holland America took delivery of their new ships. And Norwegian Cruise Line's Norwegian Encore will have a thrilling go kart track.   

--

Thoughts or questions? doug@cruiseradio.net 

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

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

Cruise Radio News Brief - November 25, 2018. The cruise lines had a great third quarter. Carnival Cruise Line has the popular Seafood Shack on two more of their cruise ship. And a cruise ship powered by dead fish is coming within the next couple years.  

--

Thoughts or questions? doug@cruiseradio.net 

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

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

Cruise Radio News Brief - November 18, 2018. Carnival Cruise Line's largest ship to date is officially underway and they are getting a new hull log. More drama in the cruise port of Nassau, Bahamas with the straw market. Windstar Cruises announced that three of their ships will get stretched, get new engines, and more staterooms. 

--

Thoughts or questions? doug@cruiseradio.net 

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

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

Cruise Radio News Brief - November 11, 2018. Virgin Voyages plan to revolutionize cruise dining. Carnival's brand new Chinese cruise line. And a Royal Caribbean ship arrived Florida and a Celebrity ship is on the way. 

--

Thoughts or questions? doug@cruiseradio.net 

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

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

Cruise Radio News Brief - November 4, 2018. Royal Caribbean had a launch party for the brand new Terminal A terminal in Port Miami. Carnival Corporation was issued patents for new technology. And a Royal Caribbean ship had to divert to disembark sick guests in Bermuda.  

--

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.

Carnival Cruise Line broke a donation record for the St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital. This event happened on a cruise aboard Carnival Splendor. Guests sailing Norwegian Cruise Line's Norwegian Bliss were upset after a last minute itinerary change after the ship left port. And Royal Caribbean said one of their new ships is making the company a lot of money. 

--

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.

Carnival Cruise Like in hiking gratuity rates effective December 1, 2018. Princess Cruises is changing traditional times and it has been met with pushback. Nassau, Bahamas will no longer pay the cruise lines to come to their island. Virgin Voyages will be the very first cruise line to have a tattoo parlor onboard. 

--

Thoughts or questions? doug@cruiseradio.net 

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

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

Cruise Radio News Brief - October 14, 2018. Carnival Cruise Line ditches the name "tender" for their ports that do not have a cruise pier. Royal Caribbean has named the first ship calling to Perfect Day at CoCo Cay. And MSC Cruises is bringing a ship to Miami to do Cuba sailings. 

Cruise Radio News Brief - October 7, 2018. Guests on Royal Caribbean's Voyager of the Seas were upset when women were running around dressed like Playboy bunnies. Carnival Corporation's chairman Micky Arison and wife are donating to disaster relief across the world. And Norwegian Cruise Line's free airfare promotion has expanded to Caribbean and Hawaii 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.

Cruise Radio News Brief - September 30, 2018. Two Carnival Cruise Line ships are repositioning to new homeports this weekend, a week after Carnival Vista and Carnival Horizon repositioned. Grand Cayman could be in trouble if they don't step up there cruise docking situation. And more flooding means more cruise ship delays in Galveston. 

--

Thoughts or questions? doug@cruiseradio.net 

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

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

Cruise Radio News Brief - September 23, 2018. Carnival Horizon celebrates the ship arriving in Miami, Florida in a big way. If you're a football fan you can sign up for a free Carnival Cruise Line sailing. And Venice is tired of guests sitting on their sidewalks. 

--

Thoughts or questions? doug@cruiseradio.net 

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

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

Cruise Radio News Brief - September 16, 2018. Disney Cruise Line could be home-porting in Miami if everything goes as planned. It's back to normal for the cruise lines impacted by Hurricane Florence. And the new Princess Cruises ship has arrived in Sydney for the 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.

Cruise Radio News Brief - September 9, 2018. The tropics are on pretty active with potential hurricanes impacting the southeast. A Windstar Cruises' ship broked down in Buzzards Bay on Friday. And the Carnival Cruise Line airship (blimp) tour marches on. 

Weekend Cruise News Brief - September 2, 2018. A woman was airlifted off a Carnival Cruise Line ship over the weekend. Grand Cayman does not want a cruise pier, and they mean business. And other cruise lines said they will not be removing automated gratuities. 

--

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.

Weekend Cruise News Brief - August 19, 2018, Oasis-class ship could be heading to the Gulf Coast. MSC Cruises sprung a leak. And Carnival Cruise Line adding to their onboard prizes. 

--

Thoughts or questions? doug@cruiseradio.net 

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

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

We get a seven-night Western Caribbean cruise review of Carnival Miracle. John gives us a bow to stern review of this sailing from Tampa, Florida. 

Richard Simms has cruise news: 

• Royal Caribbean bans emotional support animals 
• Carnival cruise ship has technical issue 
• Three Norwegian Cruise Line ships get refurbished 
• Celebrity Edge announces new entertainment options 
• Listener question on where to find a solo cruise website 

---

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.

Weekend Cruise News Brief - August 12, 2018. Royal Caribbean is changing their online check-in program. Carnival Cruise Line is making two disembarkation changes.  Three Norwegian Cruise Line ships got a total makeover. And a couple got booted from a Holland America Line cruise ship. 

Hear the Cruise Radio News briefs Monday - Friday on your Amazon Alexa device or on the newly created Cruise Radio News podcast feed. 

---

Thoughts or questions? doug@cruiseradio.net 

Visit the newly launched Cruise Radio YouTube channel. 

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

Your cruise news brief for August 5, 2019. Grand Cayman is experiencing record cruise passengers and opposition for the new cruise pier, a crew member from Holland America went overboard, Celebrity Edge has completed her first round of sea trial, Harmony of the Seas debuts in Netflix film, Carnival kids read record Dr. Seuss words, and deck by deck analysis of Carnival Sunrise. 

You can watch the analysis here.

---

Thoughts or questions? doug@cruiseradio.net 

Visit the newly launched Cruise Radio YouTube channel. 

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

Your cruise news brief for July 29, 2018. Carnival Cruise Line has added keyless embarkation to another port, Nassau is warning people about eating the conch, Disney Cruise Line is going green, Celebrity Edge has officially started sea trial, and finally, Hawaii is back open to all cruise traffic after the volcano eruption this past spring.

---

Thoughts or questions? doug@cruiseradio.net 

Visit the newly launched Cruise Radio YouTube channel. 

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

Your cruise news brief for July 22, 2018. Norwegian Cruise Line is banning straws at sea, Virgin Voyages cut the steel for their second ship, two crew members fell off a Royal Caribbean cruise ship, and Carnival Liberty made an unexpected stop off the coast of Florida. 

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

Your cruise news brief for July 15, 2018. Norwegian Cruise Line has extended the option for two additional Project Leonardo-class vessels, Royal Caribbean has a minor delay in the Perfect Day at CoCoCay project, Virgin Cruises shows us the progress of their upcoming ship, and Carnival Horizon breaks a St. Jude fundraising record. 

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

Your cruise news brief for July 8, 2018. Royal Caribbean has altered an itinerary because of Tropical Storm Beryl. Carnival Cruise Line goes back into another West Coast port. Norwegian Cruise Line added a new package to their newest ship.

Please let me know if you like this weekend format: doug@cruiseradio.net.

On this bonus episode we get a review of Rick's Queen Mary 2 crossing from New York City to Southampton, England. We get a unique perspective of this crossing and why they are loved by so many cruisers. 

Questions or thoughts? Email me: doug@cruiseradio.net 

Sherry Kennedy answers some of the most popular questions we get about beaches in Grand Cayman, how the hospital onboard the cruise ship works, and others. 

Michelle sent us a listener question about buying trip insurance for her upcoming cruise now, but adding the airfare later. Dan from TripInsurance.com stops by the answer her question and gives us things to look out for if you ever file a trip insurance claim. There's a lot of "gotchas" to look out for. 

Questions or comments? Email: doug@cruiseradio.net 

On this bonus episode, we get a review from Joe on his 12-night Baltic cruise on Holland America's Zuiderdam. Plus we answer some of your shore excursion questions. 

Thoughts or comments? Email me: doug@cruiseradio.net 

In-depth cruise industry news and coverage at https://cruiseradio.net. 

We speak with Terry Thornton, VP Port Operations for Carnival Cruise Line, about what it took to get the Eastern Caribbean back operational after the 2017 hurricane season. Terry also touches on the 20 Carnival ships that are in the Caribbean, and plans for future itineraries. 

Writer Richard Simms just returned from a 10-night Eastern Caribbean cruise and he gives us an update from a cruise guest standpoint and his thoughts on the island. 

Thoughts or questions? doug@cruiseradio.net 

A lot of cruise ships have been making the news lately with failing USPH inspections. This week we had a chance to talk with CDR Aimee Treffiletti, Chief of the CDCs (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention), Vessel Sanitation Program. We get a behind the scenes look at the USPH inspections and what's involved when they make the unexpected appearance onboard the ship. 

Sherry Kennedy has cruise news on: 

Thoughts or comments? Email: doug@cruiseradio.net