We get a review of Princess Cruises' Caribbean Princess. Caribbean Princess was launched in 2004 and carries just over 3,100 guests. This review is of a back to back cruise doing Eastern and Western Caribbean.

Sherry has cruise news on:

• One cruise line issued their guests a warning about Nassau, Bahamas 
• Carnival Cruise Line signed a contract to get faster internet at sea
• St. Maarten ended 2018 with a record-breaking cruise day
• Carnival's float made a debut in the 2019 Rose Parade
• Royal Caribbean is testing a new program in their casino on Harmony of the Seas 

Listener question: Do you have any free beach recommendations for Grand Turk. We are taking our first cruise in February.  

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Thoughts or questions? doug@cruiseradio.net 

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

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

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Thoughts or questions? doug@cruiseradio.net 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Thoughts or questions? doug@cruiseradio.net 

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

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

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Thoughts or questions? doug@cruiseradio.net 

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

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

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Thoughts or questions? doug@cruiseradio.net 

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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.   

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Thoughts or questions? doug@cruiseradio.net 

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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.  

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Thoughts or questions? doug@cruiseradio.net 

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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. 

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Thoughts or questions? doug@cruiseradio.net 

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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. 

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Thoughts or questions? doug@cruiseradio.net 

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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.  

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Thoughts or questions? doug@cruiseradio.net 

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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. 

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Thoughts or questions? doug@cruiseradio.net 

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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. 

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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. 

We get a review of Disney Cruise Line's Disney Fantasy on a seven-night Western Caribbean cruise. First debuting in 2012, she remains a popular choice for cruise fans out of Port Canaveral, Florida. 

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

Sherry has cruise news on: 

• Cruise line increasing gratuities in December 
• Carnival helps honeymooners who were robbed 
• Carnival honored for supporting military members 
• Royal Caribbean may have picked out their next ship name
• Listener Question: Is Norwegian Cruise Line's free airfare promotion really worth it? 

Dan Skilken from TripInsurance.com stops by the answer some listener questions about cruising during hurricane season and other topics. 

• Cruising and needing to fly home for an emergency
• Booked a cruise and got deployment orders

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Thoughts or questions? doug@cruiseradio.net 

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

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. 

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Thoughts or questions? doug@cruiseradio.net 

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

We get a review of Royal Caribbean's Port Canaveral based Oasis of the Seas. Oasis debuted as the world's largest cruise ship back in 2009, and it still more popular than ever. Kat and her husband went on a seven-night Eastern Caribbean cruise and we get a detailed report of her trip, how the ship was, the ports of call, and some first time tips for sailing an Oasis-class ship. 

Richard has cruise news on:

• Four Carnival Cruise Line ships are officially at their new homeports
• Norwegian Cruise Line increases their drink package price, again 
• Titanic II project started back up again 
• Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line sending a ship to house workers in the Boston gas explosion
• Listener Question: How does the Norwegian Cruise Line bidding for an upgrade program work?

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Thoughts or questions? doug@cruiseradio.net 

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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. 

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Thoughts or questions? doug@cruiseradio.net 

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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. 

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Thoughts or questions? doug@cruiseradio.net 

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

We get a review of Carnival Fantasy. This Carnival Cruise Line ship is currently the oldest ship in the fleet, and was the first Fantasy-class ship. This Western Caribbean cruise went to Costa Maya and Cozumel, Mexico. 

Richard Simms has cruise news:

• Carnival Horizon is officially at her new home
• Carnival offers a new type of boarding photo
• Guy's Burger Joint now offering new burgers
• Could Norwegian Cruise Line prices be going up? 
• New NCL ship deployments for 2020
• Royal Caribbean eliminating in-room baby sitting

Simonne from Cruising Excursions answers questions based on your emails. We cover tours in Juneau, Ketchikan, Skagway, and an accessible tour for Mendenhall Glacier. 

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Thoughts or questions? doug@cruiseradio.net 

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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. 

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Thoughts or questions? doug@cruiseradio.net 

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

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

Cruise Radio is being released a day early this week because of Hurricane Florence.

We get a review of MSC Cruises' newest ship to the Caribbean MSC Seaside. This was a seven-night Eastern Caribbean cruise. 

Matt from Royal Caribbean Blog fills us in on the ship that is taking shelter from Hurricane Florence in Florida. 

Action News Meteorologist Greg Dee answers some hurricane questions on tracking these storms, how rough it gets in the ocean, and a couple pieces of advice for cruising during hurricane season. 

Richard Simms has cruise news on:

• Carnival Cruise Line's steakhouse price hike 
• Norwegian Cruise Line's hull art for the upcoming Norwegian Encore 
• Nassau trying to improve their port, again 
• Listener question: First-time cruiser on Carnival, should I purchase the beverage package.  

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Thoughts or questions? doug@cruiseradio.net 

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

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

Cruise Radio News Brief - 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. 

We get a review of Royal Caribbean's Explorer of the Seas. This was a seven-night Alaska cruise from Seattle. 

Richard Simms has cruise news on:

• Flooding at the port of Galveston
• Carnival Cruise Line dismissed a dining rumor
• Carnival Corporation christened their largest ship to day 
• Norwegian Sun has wrapped up their Cuba season 
• Carnival guests could soon be paying more to sail out of Port Canaveral 
• Listener question on the best time to embark a cruise from New York City

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. 

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Thoughts or questions? doug@cruiseradio.net 

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

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

We get a review of Disney Cruise Lines' Disney Magic. This was a one way sailing from Rome to Barcelona. We get a full review of the Disney cruise experience and an overall review of the cruise ship. 

Stewart has cruise news on: 

• Woman jumps off Norwegian Star 
• Carnival Cruise Line announces new port of mega ship
• Princess Cruises names new ship 
• Woman sues cruise line because she lost trivia

Plus, Dan from TripInsurance.com answers some of your listener questions on travel insurance. 

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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.

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. 

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Thoughts or questions? doug@cruiseradio.net 

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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 

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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.

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. 

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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.

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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.

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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 week's episode of Cruise Radio, we are broadcasting straight from Carnival Cruise Line's newest ship, Carnival Horizon. 

We discuss Horizon's differences from Carnival Vista and the new barbecue smokehouse and brewhouse onboard with Carnival's president Christine Duffy. Eddie Allen, the Vice President of Beverage Operations joins us to talk about the brewery onboard, as well as some of Carnival's most popular cocktails. 

Chris Owen from Chris Cruises also stops by to discuss his first impressions of the ship and help answer some listener questions.

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. 

Hear a review of Celebrity Cruises' Celebrity Silhouette. A seven-night Eastern Caribbean sailing from Fort Lauderdale. 

Sherry has cruise news:

• The US State Department lifts the travel warning to Mexico
• Carnival Panorama announces West Coast itineraries 
• Carnival raised Faster to the Fun prices 
• Norwegian Cruise Line has hiked gratuities again 
• Royal Caribbean announced a $200 million refurbishment to Coco Cay
• This cruise ship was cut in half and had a 49' centerpiece added to it

Listener Question 

What happens to your luggage when they check it at the pier? 

Question or cruise review? Email me: doug@cruiseradio.net 

Jon gives us a review of his family's seven-night Bahamas cruise on Carnival Cruise Line's Carnival Pride from Baltimore. 

Sherry Kennedy has cruise news:

• Norwegian Cruise Line announces a new PortMiami terminal 
• Virgin Cruises gives us more details on their upcoming ship 
• Princess Cruises is testing their version of paid priority embarkation 
• Disney Cruise Line details the look of their upcoming ships

Listener Question: My husband don't want to get a passport. Help! 

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

Tim and his wife just returned from a five-night sailing on Carnival Cruise Line's Carnival Liberty. Hear a review of this Bahamas cruise from Port Canaveral. 

Stewart has cruise news on: 

• Recent updates to Princess Cays 
• Carnival Cruise Line adding more Cuba sailings in 2019 
• Carnival Corporation's new WiFi hardware blows away competitors 

Cruise Awards

Cruise Critic recently revealed their 2018 Cruiser's Choice awards. These awards are voted by members of the site's cruising community. Colleen McDaniel, Senior Executive Editor of CruiseCritic.com stops by to share a few of the winners with us. You can get a rundown of all the winners by clicking here. 

• What is the status of Princess Cruises' Ocean Medallion program? 
• Why does every Carnival Cruise Line ship always stop in Nassau, Bahamas?

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 

We get a Western Caribbean cruise review of Carnival Cruise Line's Carnival Breeze from Galveston. 

Sherry Kennedy has cruise news: 

• Carnival charging for late-night room service and ditching debarkation day room service. 
• Two cruise ships are heading to NYC in 2019
• Celebrity Cruises is releasing Celebrity Edge ahead of schedule 
• Star Princess gets a major refurb 

Listener Qs: 

What are the highlights of transiting the Panama Canal? - Nicholas, SD 

Will my travel agent get mad if I ask her to adjust my price drop? I know she makes her money on commission. I feel bad.  - Cindy, CT

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

When the Norwegian Breakaway sailed through a winter storm, some passengers say things got rough. We speak to one of the people who just disembarked, as well as cruise expert Stewart Chiron, to find out if this was an unusual sailing or to be expected this time of year. 

What are your thoughts? Let us know: doug@cruiseradio.net 

We talk with Terry Thornton, VP of Itinerary Planning with Carnival Cruise Line. He brings us behind the curtain and explains to us about cruise ship deployments, the new destination Carnival is building in Freeport, Bahamas, and where he would like to see a new cruise port open up. 

Also, I answer some follow up questions asked after our Carnival Vista interview last week. 

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

‘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!”

This week we get a detailed review of Celebrity Cruises' Celebrity Reflection in the Mediterranean. 

Stewart has cruise news on:

• Carnival Corporation's record-breaking earnings quarter and what it means for you. 
• Royal Caribbean excursion accident has 12 cruisers dead
• Norovirus outbreak on a cruise ship and by the numbers 
• Saint Maarten welcomes cruise ships back after hurricanes
• Carnival Fascination will undergo a multi-million dollar renovation 
• Norwegian Cruise Line announces 2019 cruise ship deployments 

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays! 

Thoughts or comments? doug@cruiseradio.net 

Greg gives us a review of the Carnival Cruise Line Tampa-based Carnival Paradise. This four night cruise went to Havana, which is one of Carnival's select Cuba voyages. 

Sherry has cruise news on: 

• Carnival Sunshine going to Charleston
• Carnival revamping their boarding passes
• MSC announced line up for christening
• Holland America's Eurodam earn perfect health score
• New Holland America ship floated out
• Royal Caribbean opens Megans Bay
• Norwegian Cruise Line ups gratuities on beverage and dining

Shelly from Cruising Excursions answers your questions on Mediterranean cruise shore excursions. 

Thoughts or comments? doug@cruiseradio.net 

Scott just returned from a four-night Bahamas cruise on Carnival Conquest. You'll want to hear this review from a seasoned cruise, but first time sailing Carnival Cruise Line. 

Sherry has cruise news:

• NCL changes final payment due date
• Carnival changing up cruise ships in the Gulf of Mexico 
• Disney Magic will get an extensive renovation 
• Port Canaveral reached a milestone 

Listener Question: Going to the Western Caribbean next summer on Royal Caribbean and trying to decide between a passport card and a passport book - are there any advantages of one over the other?  Carl - Detroit 

Question or comment? doug@cruiseradio.net 

This week we are down in the Eastern Caribbean on Holland America Line's ms Eurodam to do a post-hurricane assessment. Two of our ports of call include St. Thomas and Grand Turk. This is the cruise ship's first time back to the two islands since being back in the Caribbean. 

• We talk with a local in St. Thomas
• Jack, the owner of Jack's Shack in Grand Turk 
• Cruise Director Nick on Holland America's Eurodam
• Bruce Parkinson from OpenJaw.com 

Comments or questions? doug@cruiseradio.net 

Resources mentioned

• Returning to Grand Turk After the Hurricanes 
• Eurodam Returns to St. Thomas
• My Brother's Workshop in St. Thomas

Ed has over 1,100 sea days with Carnival Cruise Line and lets me ask him a list of questions submitted by you the listener. 

Sherry has cruise news: 

• Royal Caribbean's announcement last week included a lot of technology - what will we see?
• Harmony of the Seas is heading to Central Florida
• Royal Caribbean lays keel for next ship, Spectrum of the Seas
• Princess Cruises completed a historical milestone in the Panama Canal 
• Tampa undergoes terminal enhancements
• Passenger kicked off a cruise ship for trying to start a mutiny

We sit down and have a casual chat with John Heald, Senior Cruise Director and Brand Ambassador with Carnival Cruise Line. John talks about everything from weight loss struggles at sea to taking some of your listener questions. This was taped when sailing aboard Carnival Fascination in mid October.  

Sherry Kennedy answers some of your cruise questions on:

• Finding a better cruise deal and how to secure it
• Does it pay to stay loyal to one cruise line 
• Passport renewal deadlines

Thoughts or comments? doug@cruiseradio.net 

We get a review of Carnival Cruise Line's Carnival Victory on a Western Caribbean sailing from Miami. The ports of call on this sailing were Key West and Cozumel. 

Sherry Kennedy has cruise news:

• Cruise lines update the public on the state of the Caribbean islands impacted by this year's hurricanes
• FEMA charters Carnival Fascination
• New Guy Fieri sit-down venue coming to Carnival Horizon.
• Carnival Conquest gets an adults-only area.
• Royal Caribbean set to return to St. Thomas
• Royal Caribbean details upcoming ship

Questions or comments? doug@cruiseradio.net 

This is a news brief with Senior Cruise Director John Heald about Carnival Cruise Line chartering of one of their ships to FEMA to help in Hurricane relief because of Hurricane Irma and Hurricane Maria. I'm currently sailing aboard Carnival Fascination.

Thoughts or comments? doug@cruiseradio.net 

We talk with Adolfo Perez at Carnival Cruise Line about the latest refurbishment of Carnival Elation and why they are spending so much money on these ships that are 20 years old.

Richard Simms joins us with commentary about the beverage package increase with Norwegian Cruise Line and how it compares to the other packages out there. 

Tim gives us a review of his eight-night sailing on Caribbean Princess. 

Don gives us a full recap of his Cuba cruise with Norwegian Cruise Line from Port Miami. 

Comedian Tommy Davidson stops by to talk about the new season of Vacation Creation featuring Carnival Corporation. 

Sherry Kennedy has cruise news:

Sarah shares her six-night Western Caribbean cruise review aboard Carnival Cruise Line's Carnival Vista from Miami. This Caribbean sailing went to Cozumel, Ocho Rios, and Grand Cayman. This was Sarah's first time cruising in three years. 

Tommy Casabona from the Always Be Book Podcast weighs in on cruisers complaining about itinerary changes due to the recent hurricanes. 

Sherry Kennedy has cruise news: 

• Key West reopens since Hurricane Irma 
• Carnival Fascination is temporarily repositioning to Florida 
• Cunard Line is ordering new cruise ship 
• NCL donates money to hurricane relief 
• Listener question on cruise prices during hurricane season. 

We get a review of Norwegian Cruise Line's Norwegian Epic. Plus, Jake Williams from the Canceled series on YouTube talks about his latest project, Carnival Cruise Line's forgotten Pinnacle-class ship. 

Thoughts or questions? doug@cruiseradio.net 

We have an information-packed bonus episode this week as we get wall to wall coverage of Hurricane Irma and those impacted by the storm.

We talk with Sherry Kennedy from CruiseMaven.com about the efforts that Royal Caribbean and Norwegian Cruise Line are doing to send their ships to rescue stranded vacationers.

Simon Duvall from Cruiseline.com gives us an island assessment of the Eastern Caribbean islands of St. Thomas, St. John, Puerto Rico, St. Maarten, Grand Turk, and others that were in the path of the storm.

We also link up with a guest who is currently onboard Royal Caribbean's Oasis of the Seas, sailing a seven-night western Caribbean cruise. Due to Hurricane Irma, the ship has been forced to extend its sailing and will be returning to Port Canaveral a few days late. We get a glimpse of life onboard and how everyone is holding up.

Matt from Royal Caribbean Blog stops by to answer some questions about the cruise contract and passenger bill of rights during hurricanes, he chats with us about where cruise ships go during the storm, and what Royal Caribbean used Enchantment of the Seas for during the storm.

John Heald aired a Facebook Live video on Saturday evening to people impacted and in the way of Hurricane Irma.

Becky Smith is a travel agent who is rebooking a lot of clients who were scheduled to sail this past week. Becky chats with us about the reasons to use a travel agent (especially during hurricane season), how the cruise lines are compensating guests that are impacted by the storm, what particulars travel insurance would cover in a hurricane, and what you should know about booking a cruise during hurricane season.

We finally get to talk to an executive at Carnival Cruise Line and ask him some questions we've been dying to know about booking and other things. This is a pull the curtain back type of interview with Adolfo Perez.

We answer a listener question about buying cruise line stock and where to ship watch out of Port Canaveral if you want to stay there pre- or post-cruise. 

We'll also tackle some of your shore excursion questions with CruisingExcursions.com. 

Comments or suggestions? Email me: doug@cruiseradio.net

We talk to cruise ship architect, Joe Farcus. Joe has been designing ships for Carnival Cruise Line and Carnival Corporate brands for over 30 years. We had a chance to talk with him about some of his past work and how he designs the cruise ship. 

Note: If you've been listening to Cruise Radio for over six years, you have have heard this interview back in April 2011. It has been one of the most listened to episodes over the past few years so I wanted to make it a bonus episode. 

Thoughts or comments? doug@cruiseradio.net 

This week we get a review of Norwegian Cruise Line's Pride of America. Tommy Casabona stops by from the Always Be Book podcast to talk this past week's solar eclipse. 

Sherry Kennedy has cruise news: 

• Carnival extending their sailings to Cuba 
• Carnival is testing a new port day menu
• Royal Caribbean's Allure of the Seas has dreaded technical issues 
• San Juan is seeing record cruise traffic 

Thoughts or review? Email me doug@cruiseradio.net.

EDITED TO REMOVE TROPICAL STORM STORY ON AUG 24.

We get a review of a 10-night Eastern Caribbean cruise on Norwegian Cruise Line's Norwegian Gem. Craig gives us the details of the Norwegian Gem, what he thought of the ship and what he did on his Caribbean ports of call. 

Sherry Kennedy has cruise news on: 

• Carnival's Senior Cruise Director celebrates 30 years with the company 
• Captain Kirk to NCL: Save the Dolphins! 
• Carnival LIVE adds another performer for the fall 
• Why one cruise line is hiking cruise prices 
• Celebrity Cruises adds another female captain 

Listener Questions

• Room locations 
• Using Norwegian Cruise Line's bidding system

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

We get a review of Royal Caribbean's Enchantment of the Seas. This sailing left Miami, Florida and headed for Nassau, Bahamas and Royal Caribbean's private island Coco Cay, Bahamas. We get a full review of the ship, the dining, entertainment on board, a glimpse into a day on Coco Cay, and some overall thoughts. 

Sherry Kennedy has cruise news on: 

• Sad news on a Princess Cruise in Alaska last week.
• Carnival Cruise Line gave Mobile, Alabama some great news
• New report shows norovirus is down on cruise ships
• Norwegian Cruise Line is testing a surcharge on another restaurant
• Bookings now open for Norwegian Sun
• Listener question on Carnival Cruise Line specialty dining. 

Link Mentioned: Unscripted interview on Always Be Booked Podcast

Thoughts or comments? doug@cruiseradio.net 

Mitchell just returned from Disney Cruise Line's Disney Dream where he did a five-night honeymoon Bahamas cruise. Mitch is a seasoned cruiser and his wife has only been on one voyage prior to this sailing. We hear his thoughts on planning the cruise, dining, Castaway Cay, and the public areas aboard Disney Dream. One special feature on this cruise is that it stopped in Castaway Cay twice.

Cruise Critic just released their Cruiser's Choice Destination Awards for 2017. The award highlights the most popular cruise ports in every region. Ashley stops by to give us some of the highlights.

Sherry Kennedy has cruise news:

• Terminally ill cruise passenger is headed home thanks to some generous donations.  
• Carnival expands keyless embarkation
• Disney Cruise Line adds 7th ship
• MSC changing final payment policy
• Kid jumping in cruise ship pool from railing (for more, listen to our bonus episode released prior to this show)

Article link mentioned:

• Cruise Critic Cruiser's Choice Destination Awards

Show thoughts or suggestions? doug@cruiseradio.net 

One of the things seasoned cruisers complain about on a regular basis is “out of control” kids who seem to have absolutely no adult supervision whatsoever, and a disturbing video posted to YouTube seems to take this behavior to new heights. We talk to travel agent Scott Lara and contributor Richard Simms on their thoughts.

Read the article: https://cruiseradio.net/kid-jumps-cruise-deck-railing-pool/  

We talking to travel agent Scott Lara and contributor Richard Simms on their thoughts. 

Thoughts? Email me: doug@cruiseradio.net. 

• Norwegian Cruise Line just made some announcements
• Carnival's third Vista-class is underway 
• Carnival hosts first social media powered bbq
• Royal Caribbean is testing a new drink program that is aligned with the other cruise lines
• Norwegian Cruise Line is ditching their Second City comedy partnership

Cruise lately? Come share your review. doug@cruiseradio.net. 

• Carnival Cruise Line did their first sailing to Cuba
• Galveston, Texas shows off their updated Cruise Terminal 2
• All four Disney ships recently earned perfect marks on their health inspection
• Do we know the name of Royal Caribbean's next ship? 
   

  Question: My husband and I are looking at sailing this fall - is there really a cheaper week to cruise? 

   

  Question: If you were to put Carnival and NCL ships side by side, what are the major differences...we have two kids (5 and 9) and trying to find the best choice for adult fun while keeping the kiddos entertained. 

   

  Show thoughts or comments? Doug@cruiseradio.net. 

Vickie joins us for a review of Princess Cruises' Royal Princess, a ship that first debuted in 2013 and has already been to dry dock. While in dry dock she underwent some much-needed modifications. We talk about the dining, the layout of the ship, tips for Royal Princess, and why you should always make your flight home after 12p (noon) on debark day. 

Thoughts or comments? doug@cruiseradio.net 

• Carnival is lowering their internet packages if you pre-purchase it - what new rates will we see? 
• Celebrity Cruises rolled out a new venue on their upcoming ship Celebrity Edge
• Princess is adding their wearable technology to more ships in the next couple years
• Royal Caribbean is rolling out a new non-refundable deposit program. A hotel brand is rolling out a cruise line - which hotel brand and what kind of vessels are we gonna see?
• A hotel brand is rolling out a cruise line - which hotel brand and what kind of vessels are we gonna see? 

Do you like to panel/debate format? Let me know: doug@cruiseradio.net. 

We caught up with former Tonight Show host and comedian Jay Leno, before he performed on a Carnival cruise ship in Cozumel, Mexico. Jay Leno gives me his thoughts on the ship, what he thinks of cruising, cars and some stories from the road. 

On this week's bonus episode, we sit down and have a conversation with former cruise line executive, Art Sbarksky. I first met Art on Norwegian Epic back in 2010, and we've seen each other all around the world since. Since retiring from the cruise industry, Art writes and reviews cruise ship. At last count, he has sailed 119 cruises.

On this week's bonus episode, we get some tips and an overview of some Med cruise ports. Vickie shares her pre-cruise thoughts, getting over there, and how to make the most out of your time in Europe. 

Read about Vickie's journeys on her blog: http://www.vickiecruises.com/

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

‘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!”

On this episode, we are sailing on the ms Adonia with Fathom Travel to the Dominican Republic. Fathom is Carnival Corporation's 10th cruise line. Find out what Fathom is, what the ship is like, and what travelers on the ship are experiencing. It's not for everyone, but perfect for someone. 

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

We get a review of Royal Caribbean's Independence of the Seas on this four night Western Caribbean sailing to Cozumel. Hear this comprehensive review of the onboard experience. 

‘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 sun set 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!"

• Princess Cruises 50th anniversary 
• Margaritaville price hike on Norwegian Escape
• Grand Princess mechanical problems in Hawaii 
• Broadway show Grease coming to two Royal Caribbean ships 
• Social impact cruise line, Fathom, having a big sale. Is this to pick up slow bookings? 

Craig and his family just returned from a seven-night cruise aboard Carnival Pride from Baltimore. Hear a comprehensive review of Carnival Pride. 

On this episode, we get cruise news on: 

• Amber Cove cruise port 
• Carnival ups Bermuda sailings 
• Mobile sees cruise ships again 
• Holland America tweaks internet plans 
• Fathom announces first Cuba date

We get a review from listener, Tommy, about a cruise line out of West Palm Beach, Florida called Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line. The interesting thing about this cruise line is that the ship used to belong to Carnival Cruise Line as Carnival Celebration. It was finally sold off after being transferred a couple times within the Carnival Corporation. 

Richard Branson is no stranger to the travel industry with airlines, hotels, space, trains, and now a cruise line. 

We headed to Miami for the announcement and got response from industry professionals and listened to public opinion. 

We caught up with Carnival Cruise Line's Senior Cruise Director John Heald about the latest happenings at Carnival.

John chats with us about:

• Carnival room service charges
• Carnival LIVE concert program
• Moving Carnival Magic to Port Canaveral
• Carnival Pride goes back to Baltimore
• And gets personal about his weight loss journey

Ship Review

Don Bucalo gives us a review of his sailing his seven night Alaska sailing from Seattle aboard Celebrity Solstice. As a first time Alaska cruiser, Don gives his thoughts on: the adventure, the ship, and what he did in Alaska. Don leaves no stone unturned on this Celebrity Solstice review. 

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

January has proven to be a busy month for the cruise industry with the reveal of Norwegian Cruise Line's upcoming Norwegian Escape, Carnival Cruise Line announcing a new smartphone app and brand new internet at sea packages, and New Orleans hitting one million cruise passengers. 

We were in New York City aboard Norwegian Breakaway when they revealed more details about the upcoming Norwegian Escape, like: a brew hall, tapas bar, new shows, and more. We get the overall response. 

Carnival Cruise Line just announced their new smartphone app that allows you to talk to other cruisers and keep track of your onboard spending. This app is aligned with other cruise line apps in the industry. On top of the app, Carnival announced internet packages aboard their ships for as little as $5 a day.

Adrian Greystone, Director of Guest Technology stops by the gives us the scoop on the new smartphone app.

Earlier this month President Obama announced a new travel-friendly policy with Cuba. This a big step for the United States getting into Cuba since the embargo was put in place over 50 years ago.

With 11.6 million North Americans cruising in 2013, this could be huge for Cuba's economy.

I recently had a chance to sail on Costa Cruises' Costa Mediterreana to the Caribbean. Our 11-night voyage went to Nassau, Bahamas; the Dominican Republic, Tortola, Antigua, St. Maarten, and Freeport, Bahamas. We check in with the International Host aboard the ship and get some cruise passengers' thoughts. 

On this episode, Jason Leppert from Popular Cruising drops by to chat about the major differences between luxury cruises and a mass market cruises. Having never sailed on a luxury cruise before, this interview was very eye opening.

Travel expert, Jason Coleman, tackles some listener questions on what cruise is the “right” cruise for a family, tipping with infants, and suggestions for using a smartphone at sea.

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to sail the Columbia or Snake Rivers in the Pacific Northwest? These rivers are practically untouched and have some of the best scenery that America can offer, not to mentioned a ton of American history. 

This week, we are broadcasting aboard the 88-guest SS Legacy, a coastal replica steamer that sails with UnCruise Adventures. Take a journey with us!

On this broadcast, we talk to:

• Captain off the SS Legacy, Captain Dano
• Heritage Leader/Cruise Director, Ryan
• Cruise Expert at About.com, Linda Garrison
• Savvy Navigator, Jeff Ward
• Editor of Popular Cruising, Jason Leppert

This is a not-to-miss episode as we chat with the folks at MTN Communications and talk about staying connected at sea. MTN just launched the website ConnectAtSea.com and it's a portal filled with great information when it comes to your cruise vacation. Whether you're just texting, Facebooking, calling or surfing the web - everyone has to be connected these days.

Brent Horwitz, Senior VP & General Manager, Cruise for MTN joins us to cover all bases about staying connected at sea. There is no stone left unturned in this interview.

Stewart Chiron, The Cruise Guy stops by with Cruise News on: 

• Quantum of the Seas is officially Royal Caribbean's and arrived in Southampton this week - how long until she heads westbound to the United States?
• Holland America continues Dancing with the Stars through 2016
• Disney Cruise Line itineraries have been announced for 2016 - anything new?
• Have their been any cancelations or skipped ports overseas because of political unrest or ebola?
• What's the latest talk from China? How's Hong Kong doing?

Listener Question

My wife and I want to go to Alaska on the Celebrity Solstice, when's the best time to go? Is it better to sail out of Seattle or Vancouver; we live in Ontario.

For years, the cruise industry has asked boarding passengers to fill out a health questionnaire, primarily to help stop the spread of norovirus. In light of the Ebola concerns, cruise lines today began asking more pointed questions about whether they’ve had contact with a person with Ebola or someone who helped care for such a patient, according to the CLIA. Theresa Norton Masek is the editor-in-chief of Vacation Agent Magazine and cruise beat writer for TravelPulse.com, she joins us and talks about the ebola virus scare last week on a cruise.

Stewart Chiron, The Cruise Guy stops by with Cruise News on: 

• After we recorded last week, the Carnival Magic wasn't allowed into Cozumel because of the hospital worker on board who handled ebola - what was the status on this cruise?
• 102 year old Miami Bar to be featured on upcoming Norwegian Escape
• Bermuda got hammered by a hurricane last weeknd, what's the status and are cruise ships finding new temporary ports?
• Royal Caribbean's Quantum of the Seas getting closer - anything new during her second round of sea trials?
• Royal Caribbean earnings call this week

Listener Question

I want to ask a question and I cant seem to get a straight answer from different sites on the internet,when sailing from New Orleans to Mo Bay Jamaica....Is it possible to see Cuba? The reason I ask is back in 08 we were on the conquest from Galveston to Mo Bay and overheard some people saying that they seen the lights of Cuba as we passed at night. Was that true?

Carter and his wife are from Central Florida and just returned on a seven-night Eastern Caribbean sailing aboard Disney Fantasy. Carter joins us to give us a bow to stern review of Disney Fantasy, leaving no stone unturned. Carter covers embarkation, first impressions, the stateroom, dining, entertainment, how the outside of the ship handles itself on sea days, and some first time cruise tips for Disney Cruise Line. You won't want to miss this Disney Fantasy Review.

Jim Berra is the Chief Marketing Officer for Carnival Cruise Lines and joins us to talk about Carnival's Great Vacation Guarantee. Basically if you think the sailing stinks, Carnival will fly you home and refund the cost of the cruise. Turns out you have a better chance of dating a supermodel than using the Great Vacation Guarantee.

Stewart Chiron, The Cruise Guy® stops by with Cruise News:

• Carnival Corp earnings were released – have they finally recovered from their past financial issues?
• Royal Caribbean's new ship - Quantum of the Seas completed it’s conveyance – how'd it go?
• Norwegian Escape keel laid – what exactly does this mean?
• Princess to participate in 2015 Rose Parade
• Oceania increasing daily gratuities to $16 per person, per day
• Cabo San Lucas – how is recovery after the hurricane?

Kerry Stange joins us this week to give us a comprehensive review of Royal Caribbean largest cruise ship Allure of the Seas. Kerry and his wife recently returned from a seven-night Eastern Caribbean sailing. Kerry goes into detail about embarkation out of Terminal 18 in Port Everglades, first impressions of Allure of the Seas, the stateroom, dining venues, entertainment, and ship experience.

Listener Question:

I am looking for direction on the issue of tipping. We no longer use the Dining Room for our meals. We take our meals in the buffet or specialty restaurants. We are generous with our gratuities at these venues for good service. A large portion of the tipping schedule is for dining room personnel, a service we do not use. What would be your recommendation in dealing with this discrepancy? We are told the gratuities are still circulated amongst all cruise personnel? Do we lessen the amount of tipping collected less the dining room portion?

Cruise Guy has Cruise News on:

• Cunard announces major makeover for Queen Victoria
• What's the status on Royal Caribbean's Quantum of the Seas? 
• Carnival Pride is going to operate unique voyages starting October 2015, what are we gonna see? 
• CEO of CLIA recently released some norovirus figures - how accurate was this report and what was she trying to prove?

Happy 100^th Birthday to the Panama Canal! To celebrate, Sunny Lockwood joins us to chat about a book that she and her husband wrote called Cruising Panama’s Canal. An interesting read about how a horrifying life accident turned into a trip of a lifetime.

We answer a listener question about Carnival Sunshine, transportation from the Orlando International Airport to the cruise pier at Port Canaveral, and what to do on the ship.

Cruise Guy has Cruise News and talks about Carnival’s new island in Haiti, Royal Caribbean’s Quantum of the Seas floated out, Regal Princess’ Godparents from the Love Boat, Norwegian Cruise Line’s more-inclusive package, and a third Royal-class Princess ship on the way. For show notes and book link check out http://cruiseradio.net.

Jason Leppert from PopularCruising.com recently returned from an 18-night expedition cruise on Silverseas Cruises vessel Silver Discover. His voyage started him out in Asia, he made his way up Russia's eastern coast and to remote parts of Alaska. Jason goes into detail about sailing from the Far East, what his expedition ship was like, the atmosphere surrounding the cruise, ports that stick out and his overall thoughts.

Stewart Chiron, The Cruise Guy® stops by with Cruise News:

Mickey Live is known across a variety of cruise ships for his unique ways of onboard lectures. Mickey isn't using your typical overhead projector or marker board to teach cruise passengers, he uses modern day technology like GPS and his cutting edge photography skills. 

Stewart Chiron stops by with Cruise News: Costa announces Costa Concordia to be removed in July, 11 lbs of cocaine found on Carnival Liberty in Port Canaveral, small fire on Holland America's Westerdam, cruise parking in Galveston starts sparks lawsuit, American Cruise Lines launches new river boat, and low water levels in Europe are getting river cruisers stuck!

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

On this show, we talk to listener Barry who just returned from a sailing aboard Queen Mary 2, on a seven-night transatlantic sailing between New York and Southhampton. Get a full review of this ocean liner.

Also, Carnival Cruise Line's senior matre d, Ken Byrne, gives us his background, the details of his job, and what he loves about it. 

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

On this show, we talk to Jason Leppert of Popular Cruising about cruise ship dining, how its evolved through the years along with some tips and suggestions for your next cruise ship dining experience. Plus Cruise Guy has cruise news about Princess Cruises' newly launched Regal Princess, Holland America Line overhaul, a new Game of Thrones shore excursion offered by Holland America, and more discussion about norovirus and where else it's found. Susan Shultz, Director of Sales for American Cruise Lines, stops by to talk to us about American Cruise Lines, their new ships, and what's new on the horizon for the small river cruise company. 

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

This week, listener Sarah Phillips checks in with a little gem she found on her recent trip to Freeport, Bahamas - The Grand Lucayan Resort. Sarah talks about her experience at the resort as a cruise passenger and if it's worth paying the money to venture over to.

Cruise Guy has cruise news on Carnival Liberty in Port Canaveral, Norwegian Breakaway getting stuck in NYC, MSC Divina going to Europe in 2015 and Regal Princess. Listen and learn!

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

Jason Leppert from PopularCruising joins us to talk about cruise resources to research your next cruise; whether you're a first time cruiser or seasoned cruiser, you'll learn some new sites here.

We had a listener question on Facebook about cruise tipping eqiquette and whether or not a cruise guest should take tips off because they don't eat in the main dining room.

Also, Cruise Guy gives us this weeks cruise news reguarding Royal Caribbean heading to China, Carnival Freedom heading to Galveston, Norwegian Cruise Line revamping their Ultimate Dining Package and a listener question. 

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

Mike Jirout from the popular ShipMate App joins us to talk about the cruise travel app with almost a million downloads, available on both iOS and Android market.

Jason drops by to share his latest venture on Viking River Cruises; looks like Viking placed a world record, again!

Stewart Chiron, the Cruise Guy, has cruise-travel news you can use. 

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