Margaritaville at Sea Islander Review + Cruise News [Podcast]

Doug Parker and staff writer Richard Simms discuss cruise news, including a woman’s hefty infirmary bill on a Norwegian Cruise Line cruise, a ship impounded for unsanitary conditions in Italy, the fourth delay in a world cruise departure, Greece’s potential cap on cruise visitors, and the SS United States needing a new home after being evicted for non-payment.

They also address a listener’s question about opting out of facial recognition technology and emphasize the importance of travel insurance.

Special Weekly Guest

Matthew stops by the share his review of the brand new Margaritaville at Sea Islander as him and the family embarked on its inaugural cruise.

Matthew shares growing pains and what he expects to come from the Jimmy Buffett branded cruise line. You can catch his thoughts and ship tour of MAS Islander on the Portholes and Pixie Dust YouTube Channel.

This episode is brought to you by TripInsurance.com, giving you three levels of travel protection — Good, Better, and Best — a travel insurance policy for every budget.

Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, or where you listen to your favorite podcast.

Timestamps:

• Review of the Margaritaville at Sea Islander (00:50): A review of the Margaritaville at Sea Islander, a new ship sailing out of Tampa, with insights from a staff writer.
• Hefty bill from the infirmary on a cruise ship (01:17): A story about a woman who received a hefty bill from the infirmary on a cruise ship and the importance of travel insurance.
• Ship impounded due to unsanitary conditions (05:12): The Italian government’s charter of a cruise ship for the G7 summit was impounded due to unsanitary conditions and potential fraud charges against the owners.
• Delays in the departure of a world cruise (08:01): The ongoing delays in the departure of a world cruise, the impact on customers, and comparisons to a previous similar incident.
• Greece considering capping the number of cruise ship passengers (11:29): Greece is considering capping the number of cruise ship passengers visiting certain islands due to over-tourism and potential implications for travelers.
• The SS United States needing a new home (13:52): The SS United States, a 72-year-old ocean liner, needing to find a new home and discussions about the feasibility of preserving it.
• Opting out of facial recognition technology (17:39): A listener asks about opting out of facial recognition technology and the possibility of doing so at airports and cruise ports.
• Importance of travel insurance (20:22): A reminder about the importance of having travel insurance for any trip, including plane travel and cruise ship vacations.
• Margaritaville at Sea Islander Review (00:21:24): Matthew’s experience cruising on the Margaritaville at Sea Islander, including the embarkation process, cabin, and dining.
• Buffet Experience (00:27:11): Issues with lukewarm food due to buffet carts lacking heating elements, alternative dining options, and seating availability.
• Entertainment and Activities (00:31:01): High praise for the entertainment squad, theater production, live music venues, and variety of activities.
• Cozumel Port Visit (00:35:07): Matthew’s experience at Cozumel, including a local coffee shop visit and dealing with severe weather during the return to Tampa.
• Ship Design and Amenities (00:37:03): Discussion about the ship’s tropical, Jimmy Buffett-themed design, and the absence of a mobile app for the cruise line.
• Overall Experience and Recommendations (00:41:21): Matthew’s final thoughts about the Margaritaville at Sea Islander and recommendations for future cruisers.
• Ship Tour and Vlogs (00:41:49): Discussion about creating ship tour and vlogs, capturing family travel content, and experiences with little children.
• Review of Margaritaville at Sea Paradise (00:42:25): A review of a four-night sailing on the Margaritaville at Sea Paradise.