Connie and her husband just returned from Holland America's ms Westerdam on a seven-night Eastern Caribbean sailing. They are no stranger to Holland America Line with their five star mariner status. Connie chats with us about her Thanksgiving sailing, how impressions of Holland America, what draws her back to the cruise line time after time and the ports of call she experienced during her cruise. 

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 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!"

On this episode, Jason Leppert from Popular Cruising joins us for a comprehensive review of Disney Dream after an extensive refurb in November. Disney Dream went into dry dock to get a make over of some of the public areas and added the Star Wars area for the kids. Disney Dream does three and four night sailings out of Port Canaveral. 

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

Jessica and her family just returned from a seven-night Western Caribbean sailing aboard Norwegian Star, a ship that sails seasonally from the port of Tampa. Being Jessica's first time aboard, she gives a comprehensive review of embarkation from Tampa, first impressions, staterooms, dining, entertainment and ports. 

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

Rick joins us to give a comprehensive review of his Queen Victoria sailing in the Med. He goes into detail about what makes the ship the Queen Victoria so different, how the experience was and what keeps him sailing Cunard Line time after time. 

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

Ben just returned from a two-night cruise aboard Royal Caribbean's Allure of the Seas. The world's largest cruise ship that spent some time in dry dock and Europe before coming back to her home-port of Port Everglades, Florida. On this episode, Ben talks about his first impressions of Allure of the Seas, staterooms, entertainment and what the ship is like on sea days. Since this was a two-day cruise, Ben tried to squeeze as much as he could while he was on-board. 

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

• 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? 

On this episode, Tommy gives us his review of his latest cruise aboard Norwegian Pearl. This wasn't an ordinary cruise, though. It was a themed cruise put on by country superstars Florida-Georgia Line. Tommy gives his impressions of the cruise overall, the food, staterooms, and, most importantly, the entertainment. 

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

Barry just returned from a seven-night Caribbean sailing aboard Celebrity Cruises' Celebrity Summit round trip from San Juan. On this show Barry reviews embarkation, first impressions, stateroom, dining, entertainment and ports of call on this voyage. Barry gives us his candid thoughts on the ship and what he liked and didn't care for. 

We are on the island of Martinique, a region of France, located in the Southern Caribbean. Martinique is just getting back into the cruise business after a few years on the decline. The port will see 22 inaugural ship calls this years, including Anthem of the Seas and Carnival Sunshine.

We sit down with Roger Blum, a cruise consultant for the Tourism Department of Martinique to get a report card on the island. 

• NCL first time back in Canaveral in three years 
• Holland American releases Koningsdam reveal videos
• 2016 Carnival Live continues - what musical acts revealed
• New Celebrity suite perks
• Royal Ordering a fifth quantum ship
• What's latest on Carnival Vista?

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

We get a review from Carnival Cruise Line's Carnival Miracle from Peter Knego. Peter just returned from a seven-night Mexican Riviera sailing and goes into full detail about the ship, dining, entertainment, ports and his thoughts. Hear this comprehensive Carnival Miracle review. 

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

Brand new ship alert! We are broadcasting aboard Norwegian Cruise Line's Norwegian Escape. There are over a dozen dining venues, tons of partnerships like Jimmy Buffet's Margaritaville and more. We give you a comprehensive Norwegian Escape review. 

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

This week we are broadcasting from Royal Caribbean's brand new Anthem of the Seas. This ship is hands down the smartest ship in the world! From robotic bartenders, indoor skydiving and bumper cars. Hear a comprehensive Anthem of the Seas review. 

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

Sonya just returned from a four night sailing to Cozumel aboard Carnival Cruise Line's Carnival Freedom. She gives us a detailed review of the ship, food, Halloween night and entertainment. Carnival Freedom sails year-round from Galveston. 

Stewart has Cruise News on:

• Royal Caribbean Anthem of the Seas arrives 
• Another Quantum-class ship 
• Carnival Miracle and Splendor China bound 
• Norwegian Cruise Line add smoking area 

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

Howard and his family just returned from a Carnival Cruise Line sailing aboard Carnival Glory. Howard gives us a detailed review of Carnival Glory along with the food, entertainment, kids program, his first impressions and ports of call. Listen in on this Carnival Glory review. 

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

On this episode, we get a review of Carnival Cruise Line's Carnival Sunshine from the perspective of Doug. Get a full Carnival Sunshine review and hear what this Fun Ship has to offer. 

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

Theresa just returned from a seven-night Caribbean cruise aboard Norwegian Getaway, a Norwegian Cruise Line ship that does seven-night Caribbean cruises from Miami, Florida. She leave no stone unturned in this Norwegian Getaway talking about embarkation, dining, staterooms, ports and pre-cruise. 

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

• Norwegian Escape delivered 
• Norwegian Epic undergoing refurbishment 
• Carnival Corp starting a China Cruise Line 
• Two Celebrity ships undergoing refurbishments and removing two classic ocean liner venues

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

On this episode, we get a review of Royal Caribbean's Freedom of the Seas from Scott. Scott and his family did a seven-night Western Caribbean sailing aboard Freedom and he covers every step of his cruise from embarkation to food to ports. Scott leaves no stone unturned on this Freedom of the Seas review. 

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

Jessica just returned from a five-night sailing aboard Carnival Cruise Line's Carnival Paradise on a five-night Western Caribbean sailing. She leaves no stone unturned on this review covering embarkation from the Port of Tampa, first impressions of Carnival Paradise, food, dining experience, entertainment and ports of call. 

• Carnival Cruise Line heading to China 
• Norwegian Escape moving Norwegian Bliss to China 
• Princess naming their new ship 
• Amber Cove in the Dominican Republic opening up 
• Royal Caribbean's Liberty of the Seas undergoing a refurbishment

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

Ted and his family just returned from a three-night Bahamas cruise aboard Disney Dream. This is their first Disney cruise, cruising strictly with Carnival previously. On this episode, Ted gives us a bow to stern run down of Disney Cruise Line and what the Disney experience is like, not only for him but his son. This is an excellent Disney Cruise Line review.

• Hurricane causes major ship movies in Bahamas and Bermuda
• Grand Cayman could see a new cruise pier
• HAL raises gratuities 
• Queen Mary 2 to undergo massive drydock in 2016
• Carnival Crop unveils new high-speed shipboard WIFI 
• Question: How safe is it to cruise during hurricane season?  

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

Today, we talk cruise etiquette with Vickie from Vancouver, an avid cruiser. She loves to cruise and being on board. After being fed up with how some cruise guests act on-board, she wrote an article on the ins and outs of cruise etiquette. She stresses that common courtesy goes a long way! 

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

Richard just returned from a seven-night Florida-Bahamas sailing aboard Norwegian Gem from Manhattan. Being a NYC resident, Richard loves sailing from the Manhattan Cruise Terminal because it's a short walk from his house. Richard leave no stone unturned on this Norwegian Gem review and covers all the bases of this cruise ship. 

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

Mark just returned from a four night Western Caribbean sailing aboard Carnival Victory. On this sailing Mark stopped at Key West and Cozumel and had a day at sea. Hear a comprehensive Carnival Victory review. 

• Carnival Cruise Line returns to Mobile, Alabama
   
• Norwegian Escape update 
   
• New cruise port Jamaica on the Southwest coast
• Listener question:Is Istanbul still an issue for cruise ships - we are about to sail Celebrity in the Med.

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

Janet just returned from Royal Caribbean's Liberty of the Seas, a five-night cruise from Bayonne, NJ to Bermuda. Hear Janet discuss the ship, Bermuda, and some first time cruise tips. Janet leave no stone unturned on this Liberty of the Seas review. 

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

On this show, we get a review of Royal Caribbean Adventure of the Seas from Don. Don and his family did a seven-night Southern Caribbean cruise from San Juan, Puerto Rico. The cruise had an interesting twist when both a tropical storm and hurricane affected their sailing. Hear a comprehensive review of Adventure of the Seas. 

• Carnival cutting lobster 
• Norwegian Escape shipyard visit 
• Norwegian changing daily service charge policy 
• Celebrity Cruises add late night room service fee

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

Theresa Russell just returned from a seven-night Alaska cruise on Holland America Line's ms Amsterdam where she got to experience the beauty of Alaska. Hear a comprehensive review of this ship from a travel expert.

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

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

Christine Duffy recently took the helm as President at Carnival Cruise Line, after leading up CLIA (Cruise Line International Association) for years. Christine stops by to talk about the happenings at Carnival Cruise Line including: Carnival Vista, Carnival Journeys, what trends the line is seeing and some of her favorites ships and burgers. 

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

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

Vicki stops by the share her Alaska cruise review aboard Crown Princess. She goes into detail about embarkation from the Port of Seattle, her impressions, stateroom, on-board dining, ship entertainment and Alaskan ports of call. 

John and his family just got back from a five-night Caribbean cruise aboard Carnival Cruise Line's Carnival Conquest. A ship based out of Port Everglades that does five to eight-night sailings. John gives us a complete review of Carnival Conquest, including the kids program that his daughter took part in. 

Bobby and Linda just returned from an eight-night Caribbean sailing aboard Carnival Breeze from Miami. This Carnival ship was launched in 2012 and has a dozen dining and entertainment options, including a lot of Carnival's Fun Ship 2.0 features. Bobby leaves no stone unturned on this Carnival Breeze review. 

Sonya just returned from a sailing out of Galveston on Carnival Cruise Line's Carnival Triumph, a five-night Mexican cruise. Sonya gives us a full Carnival Triump review about the staterooms, post-Fun Ship 2.0 dining, entertainment and ports. 

• Escape float out
• Princess new venue
• Disney changes alcohol policy 
• Thoughts on Houston not being a cruise terminal anymore

Noam just returned from a seven-night southbound sailing aboard Celebrity Cruises' Celebrity Millennium from Seward, Alaska to Vancouver, Canada. 

Theresa just returned from an 18-night repositioning sailing aboard Norwegian Cruise Line's Norwegian Jewel from Houston to Seattle. Hear a comprehensive Norwegian Jewel review.

Theresa Norton-Masek has cruise news:

• New class of service for Royal Caribbean
• Carnival WIFI soon to go fleetwide
• Houston loses cruise ships, again
• Hawaii seeking consultants to boost cruise business
• Norwegian Cruise Line extending Seattle

Kerry and his wife just returned from a seven-night cruise aboard one of the largest cruise ships in the world, Royal Caribbean's Oasis of the Seas. On this sailing they did a Western Caribbean itinerary that included a stop at Royal Caribbean's private island Labadee, Haiti. 

Hear a comprehensive review of Oasis of the Seas from a guy who is no stranger to the Oasis-class ships. 

• Norwegian Cruise Line announced some big news earlier this week: (Epic heading to Port Canaveral, talks of Cuba and heading to Asia)
• Princess Cruises debuting the The Voice at sea 
• Celebrity offering evening excursions in the Caribbean 
• Royal Caribbean earnings call, sticking with last minute no-discounting?

Jason and his family just returned from an 11-night Eastern Mediterranean sailing aboard Celebrity Reflection.

We took a weekend trip down to Carnival Sunshine in Port Canaveral, Florida and talked to the Cruise Director Ryan. This is Ryan's second week on the job as he's filling in for the original Cruise Director Jamie D. We also chat with a passenger about their Carnival Sunshine experience. 

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. 

We talk to a couple from Florida who have done 100 cruises on the same ship from Port Canaveral, Florida. They tell us why they have been on the ship 100 times, what keeps them coming back, and if they plan to cruise elsewhere. 

Josh the Cruise Director from Carnival Sensation drops by the talk about Carnival Sensation and what makes it so appealing. 

A listener gives us a review of their eight-night Florida/Bahamas cruise on Norwegian Gem. 

We turn the tables this week and I get interviewed about my recent sailing aboard Royal Caribbean's Majesty of the Seas. I talk about pre-cruise thoughts, dining, entertainment, the ship, and the private island Coco Cay and Nassau, Bahamas. 

• fathom going to Cuba (I will play the NPR clipping)
• Royal cutting Dynamic Dining from ships 
• Norwegian going a la carte on specialty 
• Cunard NYC event 
• Celebrity's new female captain 

We answer a listener question about what to do when visiting St. Kitts this summer. 

We answer a question about a pre-cruise hotel in Port Canaveral, Florida. We talk with the General Manager of Radisson Resort at the Port to find out about the property and what it offers. During the interview, a rocket took off and it was super cool to be a part of that. 

We get a listener review of Carnival Conquest on an eight-night Caribbean sailing from Port Everglades. We learn about the ship, stateroom, dining options, ports, and first time tips. 

Listener, Andy, just got back from a four-night Bahamas cruise on Carnival Sensation. The cruise left from Port Canaveral, Florida and stopped at Freeport and Nassau, Bahamas.

Theresa Norton-Masek, Cruise Editor of TravelPulse.com has cruise news on:

• Cruise passengers killed in floatplane accident
• Carnival Corporation orders three mega ships
• Coin Ceremony completed on Carnival Vista 
• Walking Dead theme cruise sailing in January

Jason joins us fresh off his Disney Cruise Line's Disney Wonder, straight from Alaska. Hear a bow to stern review.

We recently received a listener email telling us that we need to educate the listeners more on using travel agents, so we got Vincent Dowling from Enchanted Memories Travel on the phone to tell us why we should use a travel agent.

Resources Mentioned

• $100 Onboard Credit Offer
• Disney Wonder Alaska

Support our Sponsors

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. 

Listener, Richard, gives us a Norwegian Getaway review after returning from his seven-night Eastern Caribbean sailing out of Miami.

Plus, travel expert Jason Coleman and answers listener questions about U.S. Customs and Immigration, passport stamps, and seasickness medication.

On this episode, we get a comprehensive review of Norwegian Cruise Line's Pride of America from Theresa Russell. She shares her Hawaii cruise experience, what is was like sailing on a U.S. flagged ship, and what the Hawaiian Islands were like. 

Cruise News

• Norwegian revamps their dining package
• Cruises to nowhere ending
• Recapping Carnival's no bottle policy 
• HAL Noordam rescues sightseeeing boat
   

  Listener question:

   

  A Villa on Carnival's private island Half Moon Cay for 8 people is $499.99. The villa itself holds 18 people. Every person over 8 is required to pay $49.99 per person.

  We have 11 people in our party total - I am confused why we have to pay extra if the villa itself is designed for 18 people in the first place. Any ideas?

   

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

   

  Find in-depth cruise news and ship reviews at https://cruiseradio.net

On this episode, we talk to listener Marcy who just returned from an eight night cruise aboard Carnival Legend in Alaska. The cruise started in Vancouver and ended in Seattle. Marcy gives her full Carnival Legend review. 

We talk  to the creator of one of the newest cruise apps out there, Cruise Deals, an iPhone app that monitors cruise prices drops. You can find price drops reduced as much as 80%. Find the app by searching Criuse Deals in the app store.

On this show, Vickie gives us a review of Princess Cruises’ Crown Princess on her recent California Coastal cruise. We get to hear about the ship, staterooms, dining, and ports of call.

Angie Keilhauer is a talented acoustic musician we came across on Carnival Legend last year in Tampa. Since then she’s been spotted by some big names in country music like Kenny Chesney and is going big places! She’s currently off the ship and on tour and checks in with us.

Stewart Chiron the Cruise Guy has cruise news on:

• Carnival’s ban on water bottles
• New Norwegian Cruise Line dining plans
• Fall cruise trends for 2015

On this episode, Sherry Laskin joins us to talk about a cruise she took aboard Carnival Pride earlier this year from Tampa to the Western Caribbean. Sherry gives us all the details on this Carnival Pride review.

Recently, Carnival Corporation announced the start up of a new brand called 'fathom.' The brand is centered around social impact and has created quite the buzz on social media and on the message boards. Stewart Chiron The Cruise Guy joins me this week to tackle and answer some of the response.

Carnival Corporation has launched a tenth cruise brand called fathom. The brand category, called social impact travel, will offer an impactful travel experience and work alongside locals to tackle community needs.

Fathom is purpose built, starting with one ship, and allowing guests to immerse themselves in local culture and economic development.

Based out of Miami with a 700-passenger cruise ship, the first destination will be the Puerto Plata region of the Dominican Republic. This area is known for both beauty and poverty, which is where fathom steps in.

On this show, we talk to:

• Arnold Donald, CEO of Carnival Corporation
• Tara Russell, President of Fathom
• Stewart Chiron the Cruise Guy
• Nancy Schretter, from the Family Travel Network
• James Shillinglaw, TravelPulse.com
• Ben Souza, Cruise Fever

On this episode, Jeff from Tampa gives us a comprehensive review of his latest four-night Bahamas sailing aboard Norwegian Sky from Miami.

Jeff covers his impressions of Norwegian Sky; the stateroom, food, entertainment, and what he did in Freeport and Nassau, Bahamas.

Last week, we had Nancy Schretter on from Family Travel Network about her review of Norwegian Jade. Listener, Jessica, emailed in to ask a couple questions about sailing Europe with her family – so Nancy is back to answer those questions.

On this episode, Nancy Schretter stops by to give us her Norwegian Jade review. She just returned from a 10-day cruise in the Eastern Mediterranean.  

Stewart Chiron the Cruise Guy has cruise news:

• Allure of the Seas dry dock complete
• NCL reverse food only in dining room policy
• Three queen meet up in Liverpool
• Queen Elizabeth 2 left to rot
• New guesses on Carnival Corp. announcement

Thanks for 300 amazing shows!

Ben Souza and his wife just returned from a four-night Alaska sailing on Princess Cruises' Ruby Princess. This was a special sailing that started in Vancouver, BC, stopped in Ketchikan, and ended in Seattle, Washington. 

• Norwegian Dawn grounding in Bermuda
• Drowning aboard Norwegian Gem  
• Celebrity Cruises' new Caribbean overnight itineraries 
• Disney heading back to Miami, NYC, and Galveston 
• Speculation of Carnival Corp. upcoming announcement in NYC

Carrie McLaren and her family recently returned from a seven-night Caribbean cruise aboard Carnival Liberty that went to St. Thomas, San Juan, and Grand Turk. On this show, Carrie gives us a full Carnival Liberty review, leaving no stone unturned.

Mike Jirout is the creator of the ShipMate App, an awesome smartphone app that encourages you to get excited about your cruise vacation. Recently, Mike added a fare watch feature that allows you to monitor your cruise fare regardless of who you purchased it through.

Some listeners have saved over $150 per person and have gotten that returned as an on-board credit.

Howard just returned from a seven-night Bermuda cruise on MSC Divina. Not only was it a Bermuda cruise, it was a Bermuda cruise spent in the MSC Yacht Club - MSC Cruises' ship within a ship feature. Hear this full MSC Divina review. 

Stewart Chiron The Cruise Guy has Cruise News on:

• Norwegian Cruise Line charging for room service
• Norwegian Sky goes all-inclusive alcohol in 2016
• MSC Divina returns to Miami
• Cunard's Royal meet up
• Cruise port in New Zealand turns down Ovation of the Seas
• Princess puts 2017 new build in China 

Tiffany and her husband just returned from a seven-night Caribbean cruise aboard the Carnival Dream out of New Orleans. Tiffany drops in to give us her Carnival Dream review, leaving no stone unturned. She covers her pre-cruise thoughts, embarkation, first impressions, stateroom, food, entertainment, and how the sea days were.

Stewart Chiron The Cruise Guy has Cruise News on:

• Majesty of the Seas cancels MIA cruise 
• Anthem of the Seas
• Carnival swaps more ships
• Carnival increases Faster to the Fun price
• Carnival Vista preview video
• Brady Bunch Mom aboard for Dancing with the Stars: at Sea

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

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 

Craig Kell from Chicago just returned from Carnival Cruise Line's Carnival Splendor, a seven-night Eastern Caribbean sailing, round-trip from Miami.

This was, also, a Carnival LIVE sailing, where Craig got to experience the band Journey perform in the ship's main theater in St. Thomas.

Cruise News

• Carnival charging for some room service items
• Norwegian Cruise Line charges delivery fee on two ships
• Ovation of the Seas to homeport in Sydney, Australia 
• Big animal statue on Anthem of the Seas
• Carnival Magic moving to Florida from Galveston 
• Carnival LIVE Summer/Fall 2015 Concert Series revealed 

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

Listener Tommy lives in NYC and just took a 9-night Eastern Caribbean sailing aboard Norwegian Gem. On this sailing they hit San Juan, Puerto Rico; St. Thomas, USVI; Philipsburg, St Maarten; and Tortola.

Tommy gives his first impressions of the ship, and reviews Freestyle Dining, his stateroom, entertainment, ports, and gives his final thoughts of Norwegian Gem. He leaves no stone unturned on this Norwegian Gem review!

Plus, we talk upcoming cruise ships!

Upcoming Ships 2015/2016

• Anthem of the Seas
• Viking Star
• Norwegian Escape
• Carnival Vista
• Holland America's Koningsdam

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

Carissa, her husband and four kids just returned from a 7-night Caribbean cruise on the Disney Magic out of Port Canaveral. This is her family's third Disney cruise. In this episode Carissa gives a bow to stern review of Disney Magic's embarkation process, first impressions, staterooms (she had both interior and ocean view), dining, entertainment, Castaway Cay, and some first time advice for guests considering sailing Disney.

Hear this comprehensive Disney Magic Review!

Stewart Chiron the Cruise Guy has Cruise News on: 

• Recap Carnival's 9 new ships story
• NCL testing room service fee
• New HAL ship goes to Port Everglades
• Carnival Pride back in Baltimore, again after Fun Ship 2.0
• St. Maarten to undergo a massive redevelopment project
• Anthem of the Seas status

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

Listener Don and his wife just returned from Royal Caribbean's Enchantment of the Seas to Nassau, Bahamas and Coco Cay. Don gives us a comprehensive review of the ship, dining, entertainment, and more. 

Cruise Guy has Cruise News on: 

• More cruise lines canceling after Tunesia
• New Holland America Line entertainment
• Royal Caribbean shaking things up in China and Alaska
• Carnival Sunshine seasonally leaving Port Canaveral

Resources Mentioned: 

• Enchantment of the Seas review
• Carnival Corp orders 10 ships

Listener Question: Do you need a passport for a cruise within the USA that starts and ends in a different port? The short answer is yes, you do. Stewart goes into more detail.

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

It was recently announced that Carnival Cruise Line is repositioning Carnival Sunshine to New York City, seasonally June - Oct. 2016. Terry Thornton is the Senior VP of Itinerary Planning for Carnival and talks to us about the move, the itineraries, and the future of Carnival Magic. 

Jason Leppert joins us to give us a review of Carnival Freedom, his latest six-night Western Caribbean cruise from Galveston, Texas. Jason gives us a comprehensive review of dining, public areas, entertainment and staterooms of Carnival Freedom.  

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

Princess Cruises today announced a first-of-its-kind cruise industry partnership with three-time Oscar winner and composer of Wicked, Pippin, and Godspell; Stephen Schwartz. The cruise line’s new relationship with such a major creative talent from Broadway and Hollywood includes a multi-year agreement to oversee the creative development of four new musicals to debut across the fleet over the next several years.  
 
During his 40-year career, Schwartz has won four Grammy's, three Academy Awards for “Best Song” and “Best Score” for Pocahontas and “Best Song” for The Prince of Egypt, and has been nominated for six Tony Awards. He is the only songwriter in Broadway history to ever have three shows run more than 1,900 performances. 

On this episode from New York City, we talk with Broadway celebrity Stephen Schwartz and Love Boat television personality Jill Whelan (Vicki Stubing).  

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

On this episode, Ben Souza from CruiseFever drops by to talk about 16 cruise hacks that every cruise vacationer should know. Ben covers everything from onboard dining, before you cruise tips, drinking on your cruise, and excursions. 

Cruise Guy stops by with Cruise News on Virgin Cruises lawsuit, Royal Caribbean's new ships Anthem of the Seas and Harmony of the Seas, Holland America's upcoming ship, Viking River Cruises heading to the Mississippi River, and Carnival Cruise Line moving more ships. 

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

Is the journey about the final destination – or the actual journey itself? Carnival Cruise Line answers that question with the launch of a new cruise program that encompasses longer voyages with destination immersion. Senior vice president of itinerary planning, Terry Thornton is on the show to tell us all about Carnival Journeys.

Matthew Clark and his family just returned from a seven-night Western Caribbean cruise on Norwegian Dawn out of New Orleans. Matt gives us a bow to stern review of Norwegian Dawn and the Western Caribbean itinerary.

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

Listener Kabir just returned from a sailing aboard Norwegian Epic, taking him on a seven-night jaunt around the Western Caribbean. Kabir gives us a full Norwegian Epic review, including embarkation, the stateroom, dining options, entertainment, and shares his tips and secrets.

Bill Panoff, president and CEO of Fort Lauderdale-based PPI Group, began his career as a cruise director and went into cruise publishing. Bill took his company a step further and now has over 60 port shopping lecturers. No one knows cruise port shopping like Bill. He joins us to answer a listener question about Caribbean port shopping.

Stewart Chiron the Cruise Guy has cruise news on:

• Carnival Vista itineraries
• Norwegian Cruise Line tipping increases
• New venue for upcoming Holland America ship
• Disney adds Star Wars themed cruises
• Captain of Costa Concordia sentenced

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

Ben Souza, from CruiseFever, just returned from a two-night Bahamas cruise aboard MSC Divina. On this cruise Ben got to take part in the MSC Cruises experience and share what it's like.

In this episode, Ben does a bow to stern review of MSC Divina, including: food, entertainment, cabins, service, the ship, and Nassau, Bahamas.

Stewart Chiron The Cruise Guy has Cruise News:

• Cunard ships meet in Long Beach and San Francisco
• Carnival Vista is heading to PortMiami in Florida
• Steel cut for the fourth Oasis-class ship
• Royal Caribbean has been offering free wifi on Quantum of the Seas as a testing stage
• Viking River Cruises Ocean brand, Viking Star completed sea trials

Listener Question: We are going on a spring break cruise from Port Canaveral and are getting conflicting reports from friends and the cruise line – do we need a passport or not? 

Craig Storm and his wife just returned from a two-night cruise to nowhere, thanks to a 40th birthday gift from his parents. Being a first time cruiser, we ask Craig a lot of questions about his experience, if he had any preconceived notions about cruising the Norwegian Breakaway and the overall cruise experience.

Craig goes into detail about the dining aboard Norwegian Breakaway, the food options, entertainment, things to do aboard the ship and gives tips for cruisers considering Norwegian Breakaway.

Theresa Masek from TravelPulse.com has Cruise News on:

• Carnival Corp aired their Super Bowl commercial and used content from a JFK speech -  why?
• The old Carnival Celebration, now operating as the Grand Celebration, didn't quite make it out of port - what happened?
• Is it still considered wave season? - any deals to be had
• Royal Caribbean's Dynamic Dining issues 
• Carnival Cruise Line changing their loyalty program

Don Bucolo and his wife just returned from Royal Caribbean's brand new Quantum of the Seas, based in Bayonne, NJ - for now.

This cruise ship has it all; from almost two dozen dining venues, indoor skydiving, robotic bartenders to bumper cars. This is one ship you'll want to take a cruise vacation on! 

On January 22, 2015, all the details of Carnival Vista were revealed at Lincoln Center in New York City. The ship has a lot offer like a brewery on board, a skyway, a brand new water park, more dining options like a Lobster Shack and more! The food part alone made my mouth water!

On this episode, we talk to:

• John Heald, Sr. Cruise Director of Carnival
• Jim Berra, Chief Marketing Officer of Carnival
• Stewart Chiron, The Cruise Guy
• Journalists at the event

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.

Kathie Lee Gifford, former spokesperson for Carnival Cruise Line, returned to Carnival on Sunday to introduce her GIFFT Collection of wines at a tasting event for cruise guests on Carnival Breeze at PortMiami. The wines are now available for sale fleetwide on Carnival's 24 ships.

Hear about the Kathie Lee Gifford wine partnership.

On this show, we talk with:

• Kathie Lee Gifford
• Eddie Allen, VP of Beverage Ops
• Emile, Onboard staff
• Matt, Cruise Director
• Cruise passengers

Stewart Chiron, The Cruise Guy® has Cruise News:

• Venice lifting bans on big cruise ships
• Royal Caribbean makes a specialty venue complimentary on Quantum of the Seas
• Carnival Freedom heading to Galveston, big festivities planned
• Undercover Boss of Norwegian Cruise Line leaves company
• Holland America Line rescues distressed sailors
• Princess Cruises positions another ship to Australia
• Status update on Anthem of the Seas

Jason Leppert returns to talk about his latest family vacation aboard Disney Cruise Line's Disney Fantasy. Jason discusses his experience aboard Disney Cruise Line, what it's like traveling during the holiday season on Disney, and goes into detail about the dining experiences.

Hear his Disney Fantasy review on this episode. 

It's officially Wave Season - that means there are a lot of great cruise deals to be had. In fact, 75% of cruise bookings this year will be made over the next couple months. We have added a Cruise Deal page at the top navigational bar of the website or you can click here.

Stewart Chiron, The Cruise Guy® has Cruise News:

• Snow to be featured on upcoming Norwegian Escape
• Carnival Miracle up next for a multimillion dollar renovation
• Royal Caribbean delays Dynamic Dining concept fleetwide
• Carnival Cruise Line dropping the "S"
• Pearl Seas possibly heading into Cuba
• Carnival doing away with EA Sports Bar after three years
• Oceania cruise ship fire - get caught up on the details