First Time Cruise to Europe + Cruise News [Podcast]

Doug Parker and Richard Simms discuss recent cruise news and updates. Topics include the controversy over cruise ducks, Princess Cruise’s new pizza promotion, exclusive shore excursions for MSC Yacht Club guests, and Norwegian Cruise Line’s return to Philadelphia.

They also discussed Royal Caribbean’s Utopia of the Seas, offering shorter sailings, and Carnival’s Mardi Gras ship’s 14-night transatlantic voyage.

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Tim from YouTube’s CruiseTogetherCouple recently embarked on a Mediterranean cruise aboard the MSC World Europa.

In his coverage, he detailed the ship’s amenities, explored the various ports of call, and shared practical tips for first-time European cruisers. The episode concluded with a guest discussing the potential success of a new ship.

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

Timestamps:

• Cruise Ducks Controversy (00:00:42): Discuss the ongoing controversy surrounding cruise ducks and crew members’ involvement in the popular activity.
• Princess Cruise’s Pizza Promotion (00:03:05): Explanation of Princess Cruise’s world record-breaking pizza party and partnership with a renowned pizza chef.
• New Perks for Expensive Suite Guests (00:04:59): Information about MSC offering exclusive shore excursions for guests staying in the yacht club, creating a ship within the ship concept.
• Norwegian Jewel’s Philadelphia Sailings (00:06:43): Details about Norwegian Cruise Line’s plans to sail the Norwegian Jewel from Philadelphia starting in 2026.
• Royal Caribbean’s Utopia of the Seas (00:08:50): Coverage of the launch party for Royal Caribbean’s new ship, Utopia of the Seas, and its unique fan contest.
• Carnival’s Long Transatlantic Sailings (00:13:43): Exciting news about Carnival’s Mardi Gras ship offering one-off longer sailings, including a 14-night transatlantic voyage.
• Carnival Panorama’s Journey to Asia (00:16:28): Discussion on Carnival Panorama’s voyage from LA to a shipyard in Asia and the unique experience of friends taking it over.
• Cruise Ship Panorama’s Underwhelming Debut (00:17:01): The lack of hype surrounding Carnival Panorama’s launch and comparison with other new ships.
• First-Time European Cruise Experience (00:19:20): Tim’s decision to take a Mediterranean cruise on MSC World Europa and his pre-cruise thoughts.
• Affordable European Cruise (00:19:59): The affordability of the European cruise and the decision-making process behind choosing the off-season for the trip.
• Embarkation in Barcelona (00:22:01): The smooth embarkation process at the Barcelona cruise terminal for MSC World Europa.
• First Impressions of MSC World Europa (00:22:22): The beauty and elegance of the ship, including its features and design.
• Dining Experience and Upgrades (00:22:59): The dining options, cabin upgrades, and the experience of dining on board MSC World Europa.
• Entertainment and Activities on Board (00:28:01): The variety of entertainment, including production shows, music, and activities such as trivia and sports complex.
• Bumper Cars and Sports Complex (00:31:11): Bumper cars and other activities in the sports complex on board MSC World Europa.
• Pool and Layout (00:31:58): Discussion about the pool and layout of the cruise ship, including indoor and outdoor pool areas and crowd congestion.
• Ports of Call (00:34:09): Description of the ports visited, including Barcelona, Marseilles, Genoa, Rome, Palermo, Louvre, and the experiences at each location.
• Barcelona and Rome (00:38:09): Insights into the experiences and crowds in Barcelona and Rome, including navigating the cities and personal experiences.
• Favorite Port (00:40:32): Discussion about the favorite port of call, with a focus on the beauty of Malta and the historical significance of Rome.
• Debark Process and Ship Staff (00:41:30): Experience during the debarkation process and praise for the ship staff’s efficiency and helpfulness.
• First-Time Tips and Resources (00:43:30): Advice for first-time cruisers to Europe and on MSC, including using travel agents and navigating the booking process.
• Cruise Highlights (00:46:55): Reflection on the overall experience of cruising in Europe and the highlights of visiting iconic locations.
• Final Thoughts on MSC Europa (00:47:55): Concluding thoughts on the MSC Europa cruise experience and the affordability of off-season travel.
• Mention of New Ship (00:47:59): Discuss the potential success of the new ship coming to America and the differences in cruise experiences between Europe and America.