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.

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.

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.

In this podcast episode, Amy discusses her seven-night Alaska cruise on Norwegian Cruise Line’s Norwegian Jewel. She shares her pre-cruise experiences in Vancouver, the smooth embarkation process, and her impressions of the stateroom.

Amy talks about the dining options, entertainment, and her participation in the “Newlywed Show.” She describes the ports of call, including Ketchikan, Juneau, and Skagway, and highlights her Glacier Bay experience.

Amy also provides tips on packing, saving money, and making the most of the cruise. She concludes with her overall positive impressions of the Norwegian Jewel and the Alaska itinerary.

Timestamps:

• The pre-cruise thoughts (00:00:29): Amy’s decision to cruise to Alaska, her travel history, and the factors influencing her choice.
• Travel to Vancouver (00:01:20): Amy’s travel from Nashville to Vancouver, including flight experiences and a hotel stay in Vancouver.
• Embarkation (00:03:59): The embarkation process in Vancouver, including customs clearance and boarding the ship.
• Stateroom (00:06:47): Amy’s choice of an inside stateroom, the stateroom’s features, and her experience during the cruise.
• Dining (00:09:03): Discussion of the buffet and main dining room experiences, including the flexibility of freestyle dining.
• Entertainment (00:13:53): Overview of the entertainment options on the seven-night cruise, including shows, movies, and comedy performances.
• The Newlywed Game (00:14:36): Amy shares her experience of participating in the ship’s version of the Newlywed Game, including the embarrassment and fun.
• Cruise Ship Crowds (00:16:27): Discussion of the lack of crowds on the ship and her experiences during sea days, including the availability of entertainment venues.
• Casino Experience (00:17:46): Amy shares her casino experience, including the heat and the level of smoke in the casino.
• Port of Call: Ketchikan (00:19:02): The docking situation in Ketchikan and her excursion to a rainforest wildlife sanctuary and totem park.
• Port of Call: Juneau (00:22:06): Amy talks about her bike and brewery tour in Juneau, the visit to Mendenhall Glacier, and the tram ride.
• Port of Call: Skagway (00:24:13): Discussion about the summit scenic drive, brewery visits, and the unique Alaskan liquor laws.
• Glacier Bay Viewing (00:27:59): Amy shares her experience of viewing Glacier Bay from different spots on the ship and the crowded crew pool area.
• The balcony dilemma (00:29:01): Discussion of her wish for a balcony stateroom and the price difference.
• Navigating the Gulf of Alaska (00:29:42): Amy talks about the navigation through the Gulf of Alaska and the experience at sea.
• Disembarkation logistics (00:30:27): Amy shares her experience with disembarkation, transportation options, and excursion choices.
• Alaska Tour Saver benefits (00:32:45): Discussion of the benefits of using the Alaska Tour Saver book for discounts on tours and transportation.
• Cruise ship amenities and packing tips (00:34:37): Amy talks about the amenities on the Norwegian Jewel and gives tips on packing for an Alaska cruise.
• Flight arrangements and tips (00:37:03): Amy shares her experience with flight arrangements and provides tips for finding good deals on flights.
• Cruise highlights and final thoughts (00:38:17): Amy reflects on the highlights of the cruise and shares her final thoughts on the Norwegian Jewel.

In this podcast episode, guest Ross shares his experiences from a seven-night cruise aboard Carnival Magic out of Port Miami. He discusses pre-cruise preparations, smooth embarkation, and staying in a Cloud 9 Spa interior stateroom.

Ross highlights the variety of food options, enjoyable entertainment, and port excursions in Cozumel, Belize City, and Mahogany Bay. Despite rough seas and crowded areas, he praises the efficient debarkation process and exceptional service.

Ross expresses willingness to sail with Carnival again and considers trying other cruise lines.

Timestamps:

• Pre-cruise thoughts and planning (00:00:32): Ross’s reasons for choosing the cruise, including itinerary, timing, and previous cruise experiences.
• Embarkation process (00:03:02): Description of the embarkation process, including check-in time, waiting area, and boarding pass requirements.
• First impressions of the Carnival Magic (00:04:11): Initial thoughts upon entering the ship, including comments on the ship’s design and cleanliness.
• Stateroom experience (00:05:06): Details about the Cloud 9 Spa interior stateroom, amenities, and noise levels.
• Food options on board (00:08:42): Overview of the Lido Deck buffet, including the selection, seating, and comparison to other cruise lines’ food options.
• Guy’s Burger Joint and Blue Iguana (00:10:17): Review of the popular dining venues, including the quality of burgers and fish tacos.
• Pizza and main dining room experience (00:11:14): Assessment of the ship’s pizza, as well as the My Time Dining experience and food quality in the main dining room.
• Dining Room Entertainment (00:14:44): Discussion about the rotating entertainment in the dining room and the quality of the comedy shows.
• Comedy and Trivia (00:15:13): Review of the comedy shows, love and marriage game, and trivia activities on the cruise.
• Casino and Sea Days (00:19:24): Evaluation of the smoking situation in the casino and the crowd congestion during sea days.
• Ports of Call (00:21:20): Highlights of the ports of call, including Cozumel, Bliss City, and Mahogany Bay, and the excursions taken at each location.
• Rough Weather (00:26:53): Experience of rough seas during the return to Miami and the impact on the passenger’s comfort.
• Facial Recognition at Port (00:28:25): Discussion about the efficiency and experience of using facial recognition technology at the cruise port.
• Importance of Dark Plans (00:28:51): Explanation of the significance of providing dark plans for shoreside scheduling and port operations.
• Uber Pickup Experience (00:29:29): Experience using Uber at a busy cruise port and tips for smooth pickup.
• Tips for Uber Pickup (00:30:02): Advice on providing bag information for Uber drivers to facilitate pickup and save time.
• Trying New Experiences on Cruise (00:31:02): Encouragement to explore new activities, food, and entertainment options while on a cruise.
• Spa Room Experience (00:32:55): Detailed experience and benefits of booking a spa room on the cruise ship.
• Comparison of Cruise Lines (00:34:08): Comparison of cruise experiences and considerations for future cruise line choices.
• Final Thoughts on Carnival Magic (00:36:16): Ross’s overall positive experience and appreciation for the staff on the Carnival Magic cruise.

Doug Parker and staff writer Richard Simms discuss recent cruise news, including a viral fight on a Carnival ship, rising cruise prices due to new California laws, and capacity boosts in the Mediterranean amid over-tourism concerns.

Caleb shares his experience aboard Disney Magic, highlighting efficient embarkation, dining options, and exceptional service. He compares Disney to Virgin Voyages, noting differences in inclusivity and service. Caleb offers tips for first-time Disney cruisers and confirms his next Disney cruise on the Dream.

Timestamps:

• The Carnival Fight (00:00:10): Discussion about a violent fight on a Carnival ship, the viral video, and the potential consequences for those involved.
• Cruise Prices and Transparency (00:02:15): Explaining the increase in cruise prices, the impact of a new law requiring transparency in pricing, and the inclusion of additional costs in the advertised prices.
• Mediterranean Cruises and Overtourism (00:05:22): Discussed the plans to increase cruise capacity in the Mediterranean, potential conflicts with overtourism regulations in Greek destinations, and the impact on cruise itineraries.
• Amsterdam’s Cruise Ship Cap (00:07:40): Talked about the decision to cap cruise ships in Amsterdam, the requirement to use shore power, and the potential relocation of the terminal.
• Villa Vie Odyssey Update (00:08:49): An update on the delayed sailing of the Villa Vie Odyssey, technical problems, and concerns about shortcuts in the recertification process.
• Discussion about Disney Magic Cruise (00:16:30): A conversation with Caleb who just sailed on the Disney Magic, sharing pre-cruise thoughts and the decision to take the sailing out of Port Everglades.
• Embarkation Process (00:17:15): Efficiency and experience at the cruise terminal, including upgrades and boarding times.
• Impressions of Disney Magic (00:18:53): Caleb’s overall impression and experience boarding the Disney Magic cruise ship.
• Dining Experience (00:20:11): Discussion of dining options, including the buffet, rotational dining, and room service.
• Entertainment and Adult Areas (00:24:10): Review of onboard entertainment, including shows and the adults-only area.
• Kids Programs and Crowds (00:25:56): Experience with kids programs and observations of crowd congestion on the ship.
• Port Excursions (00:27:44): Details about the day at Castaway Cay and Cozumel, including activities and locations at the ports.
• Virgin Voyages Cruise (00:30:44): Comparison to Disney cruise, including service, food, and similarities to Disney.
• Status Matching with Virgin (00:32:28): Discussion about status matching with Virgin and benefits.
• Disembarkation from Disney Magic (00:33:18): Process of disembarking from Disney Magic and luggage handling.
• Booking Tips for Disney Cruise (00:34:04): Tips for booking onboard experiences and excursions for a Disney cruise.
• Disney Cruise Experience (00:35:28): Discussion about the experience of a Disney cruise for couples and adults.
• Service Highlight on Disney Magic (00:36:22): Highlighting the exceptional service of Disney Magic and an example of going above and beyond.
• Future Disney Cruise and Final Thoughts (00:37:04): Booking the next Disney cruise and final thoughts on Disney Magic.

In this podcast episode, Christy, a teacher from New York City, reviews her seven-night cruise on Carnival Pride to the Bahamas and Grand Turk. She discusses the change in departure port from Baltimore to Norfolk, the embarkation process, accommodations, dining options, entertainment, and activities on board.

Christy shares her experiences at Grand Turk, Princess Cays, and Freeport, highlighting swimming, a tender boat malfunction, and casino winnings. She praises the ship’s cozy atmosphere and efficient staff and provides a comprehensive review of the cruise experience.

Timestamps:

• Embarkation and Departure Change (00:00:17): Discussion about the change in departure port from Baltimore to Norfolk due to weather conditions.
• Accommodation and Transfer (00:01:28): Details about the decision to transfer from Baltimore to Norfolk and the smooth bus transfer experience.
• Check-in Process (00:03:07): Explanation of the check-in process in Norfolk and comparison with the initial check-in in Baltimore.
• First Impressions of Carnival Pride (00:03:31): Initial thoughts and comparison with Carnival Legend.
• Casino Offers State Room (00:04:24): Description of the interior and balcony staterooms and their suitability.
• Dining Experience (00:05:10): Assessment of the food at the buffet, including the embarkation day funfetti cheesecake, and late-night pizza.
• Steakhouse Experience (00:06:58): Discussion of the steakhouse experience, including a comparison of the ribeye and cowboy steaks.
• Main Dining Room Meals and Service (00:09:03): Evaluation of the meals and service in the main dining room, with a focus on beef wellington and prime rib.
• Entertainment and Activities (00:11:03): Review of playlist production shows, live music, and hosted events, including the cruise director’s performance.
• Crowds and Congestion (00:14:34): Observations on pool and serenity area crowding, as well as participation in trivia and arts and crafts activities.
• Retractable Roof and Sea Days (00:16:05): Discussion about the status of the retractable roof and the availability of activities during sea days.
• Grand Turk (00:16:39): Christy’s experience at Grand Turk, including the excursion, the beach, and the rough water conditions.
• Princess Quay (00:18:35): Christy’s visit to Princess Cay, her time spent swimming, and the comical experience with the tender boat.
• Casino Experience (00:21:08): Discussion about the casino, the non-smoking side, and Christy’s luck with slot machines.
• Freeport (00:23:20): Christy’s day at Freeport, her decision not to leave the port, and her thoughts on the limited activities available.
• Return to Norfolk (00:24:25): Experience with the ship’s rocking, disembarkation process, and the smooth return to Norfolk.
• First Time Tips (00:27:22): Advice for first-time cruisers, emphasizing the need to adapt to unexpected hiccups.
• Biggest Highlight (00:28:10): Christy’s reflection on the quality time with her family, winning at the casino, and the enjoyable time at Grand Turk.
• Carnival Pride Review (00:29:01): Christy’s overall positive review of the Carnival Pride, including its cozy feeling, space-to-person ratio, and comparison to other ships.

Doug Parker and Richard Simms discuss cruise industry updates, including a minor fire on the world’s largest cruise ship, Carnival Corporation’s financial success of $92M profit, heat warnings for Greece, and Seattle’s 2027 shore power mandate, and Princess Cruises’ loyalty points promotion.

Kurt shares his experience on Royal Caribbean’s Liberty of the Seas, detailing the ship’s layout, dining options, entertainment, and ports of call like Bermuda, Saint Martin, San Juan, and Puerto Plata. Kurt’s feedback highlights positive aspects and areas for improvement on the cruise.

Timestamps:

• The fire on the Icon of the Seas (00:00:36): Discuss a small fire on the Icon of the Seas cruise ship, the response, and the impact on passengers.
• Carnival Corporation’s financial report (00:02:26): Overview of Carnival Corporation’s latest quarterly report and financial performance, including high occupancy and onboard spending.
• Extreme heat warnings in Greece (00:06:24): Cruise passengers in Greece received warnings due to record-breaking temperatures and resulting fatalities.
• Port of Seattle’s shore power mandate (00:07:59): Mandate for cruise ships to switch to shore power by 2027 at the Port of Seattle, and its environmental significance.
• Princess Cruise Line’s loyalty points offer (00:09:29): Details of Princess Cruise Line’s limited-time offer to double loyalty points for certain cruise packages, with additional points for booking a suite.
• Review of Royal Caribbean’s Liberty of the Seas (00:14:17): A guest’s experience on a nine-night Caribbean voyage on Royal Caribbean’s Liberty of the Seas, including embarkation and first impressions.
• The layout of the ship (00:16:52): Comparison of ship layout and expectations, minor differences noted.
• Promenade and stateroom (00:17:25): Comparison of promenade offerings and stateroom experience, including unexpected changes.
• Dining experiences (00:20:52): Review of food quality and variety in Windjammer and the main dining room.
• Entertainment on board (00:24:13): An overview of production shows, an aerialist group, a hypnotist, and an Elton John tribute act.
• Ports of call (00:28:28): Discuss activities and experiences in Bermuda, including shopping and exploring.
• Saint Martin port (00:30:54): Description of activities in Saint Martin, including visiting a duty-free shop and enjoying the seaside.
• San Juan port (00:32:22): Exploration of the local bakery, Isla Verde Beach, and the old town area of San Juan.
• Porta Plata port (00:34:21): Overview of the day in the Dominican Republic, including visiting a grocery store and the old town area.
• The developed port areas (00:34:29): Discussion about the developed port area, the free pool, and the lazy river as a replacement for the original port due to troubles in Haiti.
• Debacle at disembarkation (00:35:08): Description of the slow disembarkation process and the unusual delay due to a gangway issue.
• Tips for sailing and room issues (00:36:19): Advice on checking the room thoroughly and dealing with room maintenance issues, along with a tip for getting a specialty lunch instead of fighting through the buffet.
• Final thoughts on Liberty of the Seas (00:37:50): Overall impressions of the ship, comparison to other vessels, and unique features such as the big slide.

In this podcast episode, Doug Parker and guest Tommy Casabona discuss Tommy’s recent cruise on the Norwegian Joy. Tommy describes the smooth embarkation process from Pier 88 in New York City and his upgrade to a balcony stateroom.

He shares his positive experiences with the ship’s food options, entertainment, and casino. Despite some turbulence and a shortened stay in Bermuda, Tommy enjoyed exploring Horseshoe Bay Beach.

The episode also touches on the unique vibe of New York City sailings and the chaotic disembarkation process in the city.

Timestamps:

• The introduction (00:00:00): Introduction to the podcast episode and advertisement for Noom personalized weight loss solution.
• Cruise Radio (00:01:11): Introduction to the cruise radio show and a brief advertisement for trip insurance.
• Interview with Tommy Casabona (00:02:07): Doug Parker introduces Tommy Casabona and discusses his recent cruise experience on the Norwegian Joy.
• Embarkation in New York City (00:02:30): Discussion about the embarkation process at Pier 88 in New York City and the experience of sailing away from New York.
• First Impressions of Norwegian Joy (00:05:02): Tommy’s first impressions of the Norwegian Joy, comparing it to other ships in the same class and discussing differences in design.
• Stateroom and Balcony Experience (00:07:00): Tommy’s experience with the stateroom, including an upgrade to a balcony stateroom, and opinions on the balcony space.
• Onboard Dining Experience (00:09:02): Discussion about the buffet, main dining room, and specialty dining experiences on board the Norwegian Joy.
• Entertainment and Shows (00:13:50): Opinions on the entertainment and shows on board, including a specific show called “Elements” and the variety of entertainment venues.
• Casino Experience (00:15:46): Tommy’s experience in the casino, including his winnings and a discussion about how points are earned in the casino.
• Smoking Situation in the Casino (00:18:05): Brief discussion about smoking in and around the casino on board the ship.
• The casino and ship layout (00:18:28): Discussion about smoking areas, the ship’s congestion, and the compartmentalized layout.
• Vibe Beach Club and thermal suites (00:19:42): Conversation about the Vibe Beach Club, the ship’s thermal suites, and the impact of weather on cruise plans.
• Exploring Bermuda (00:22:53): Experiences at Horseshoe Bay Beach, beach exploration, and observations about Bermuda’s cruising subculture.
• High seas and beach activities (00:24:48): Discussion about high seas, beach activities, and the color of Bermuda’s water.
• Local attractions and departure process (00:25:48): Conversation about local attractions, including a pirate ship and a prison, and experiences at the Manhattan cruise terminal during the departure process.
• Onboard activities and dining experiences (00:28:27): Onboard activities, including go-karting and dining experiences at the American Diner.
• Departure and travel tips (00:30:15) Discussion about the departure process, experiences with customs, and travel tips for sailing out of Manhattan.
• Ship’s layout, amenities, and comparison (00:34:13): Observations about the ship’s layout, amenities, and a comparison of the cruise experience with other cruise lines.
• Norwegian Gem (00:35:51) Discussion about the excitement around the Norwegian Gem coming to Jacksonville and the experience of being on the ship.

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.

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.

In this episode of Cruise Radio, Doug Parker and Richard Simms discuss concerns about the safety of bottled water on cruise ships, new regulations in Juneau to limit daily cruise passengers and an electrical fire incident on the MSC Armonia.

They also cover mixed feedback on Disney Cruise Line’s new destination, Carnival Cruise Line’s loyalty program changes, and operational challenges on the Margaritaville at Sea Islander preview cruise.

We also get a review of Holland America Line’s ms Koningsdam in Southeast Alaska.

Timestamps:

• Concerns about Drinking Water on Cruise Ships (00:01:12): Discussion about the safety of bottled water on cruise ships and the potential risks associated with tampering.
• Regulations in Juneau (00:04:44): Starting in 2026, new regulations will limit the number of daily cruise passengers allowed to visit Juneau.
• Fire Incident on MSC Armonia (00:07:52) The ship’s crew quickly extinguished A small electrical fire on the MSC Armonia.
• Feedback on Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point (00:09:39): Initial guest feedback on the new experience offered by Disney at Nassau, including concerns about the long walk from the pier and reports of flies in the food area.
• Changes to Carnival Cruise Line’s Loyalty Program (00:13:23): Discussion of changes to the loyalty program, including the removal of certain perks and potential future changes to the program.
• Preview Cruise of Margaritaville at Sea Islander (00:18:12): Feedback on the preview cruise of the Margaritaville at Sea Islander, including issues with leaking atrium, non-functional toilets, and intermittent Wi-Fi.
• Feedback on Cancelled Cruise Incident (00:20:31): Receiving feedback from listeners regarding a story about a woman whose cruise was canceled by an unknown person.
• Carnival Cruise Scam Controversy (00:21:03): Discussion on the controversy surrounding a scam involving a canceled cruise and the potential repercussions.
• Preparation for Alaska Cruise (00:25:43): Discussion on the importance of arriving a day early for an Alaska cruise and the experience of preparing for the trip.
• Embarkation Experience in Vancouver (00:26:57): Doug Parker shares his experience with embarkation at the Vancouver port and customs clearance process.
• First Impressions and Atrium Layout (00:30:12): Doug describes his first impressions upon boarding the Holland America cruise ship and the layout of the atrium.
• Passenger Demographics and Children’s Activities (00:31:24): Discussion on the age demographics of passengers and the availability of children’s activities on the cruise.
• Stateroom Features and Tips (00:32:58): Description of the stateroom features, including outlets and the use of an ottoman for space optimization.
• Alaska Itinerary and Weather Conditions (00:37:19): Doug shares the itinerary and weather conditions experienced during the Alaska cruise, including visits to Juneau, Skagway, Glacier Bay, and Ketchikan.
• Glacier Viewing and Balcony Experience (00:38:35): He describes the experience of viewing glaciers from the balcony and witnessing calving phenomena.
• Balcony Benefits for Alaska Cruise (00:39:47): Discussion on the advantages of having a balcony for an Alaska cruise and the preference for a quieter environment.
• Observation Lounge and Balcony Cabin Tips (00:39:51): Recommendations for experiencing scenic views on Holland America ships and the value of balcony cabins in Alaska.
• Premium Bookings and Bucket List Experiences (00:40:53): Discussion on paying a premium for specific experiences and excursions to make the most of an Alaska cruise.
• Port Highlights and Over-Tourism Concerns (00:42:25): Insights into port experiences, including the impact of over-tourism in Alaska and its effect on cruise passengers.
• Juneau and Ketchikan Port Experiences (00:42:35): Experiences and observations while visiting Juneau and Ketchikan, including crowd levels and local attractions.
• Scenic Cruising in Glacier Bay (00:48:17): Detailed description of the scenic cruising experience in Glacier Bay National Park, emphasizing the natural beauty and wildlife encounters.
• Alaska’s Daylight and Sea Day Activities (00:51:16): Discussion about the daylight hours in Alaska and the availability of sea day activities during the cruise.
• Fresh Seafood Initiative and Specialty Restaurants (00:55:15): Exploration of Holland America’s fresh seafood initiative and dining experiences at specialty restaurants onboard.
• Tamarind Bar and Music Walk (00:58:37): Discuss the little-known Tamarind bar and the popular Music Walk on the ship.
• Entertainment Venues (00:59:19): Description of the various music venues on the ship, including BB King’s Blues Club, Billboard on Board, and the Rolling Stone Lounge.
• Changes in Music Programs (01:00:24): Discuss changes in the ship’s music programs, including reducing the Lincoln Center partnership.
• Casino and Disembarkation (01:01:39): Information about the casino facilities and a smooth disembarkation process in Vancouver.
• Packing Tips and Excursion Booking (01:02:34): Tips on packing, excursions, and the importance of booking early for popular activities.
• Alaska Excursions Booking (01:03:59): Further emphasis on booking Alaska excursions early due to limited capacity and high demand.

In this episode of Cruise Radio, Doug Parker and Richard Sims discuss this week’s cruise news.

Chris Gray Faust, Executive Editor of Cruise Critic, joins us to discuss her recent sailing on Norwegian Joy and the ship’s recent refurbishment. The refurbishment saw the addition of cabins for solo travelers and a revamped thermal suite.

They explore the ship’s unique features, including the absence of a solo lounge and the focus on balcony cabins. The episode also covers the addition of cold plunge pools, updates to the pool deck, and the Vibe Beach Club.

They considered the cruise line’s entertainment strategy shift and onboard theme parties’ success.

Timestamps:

• Carnival Corporation’s Changes (00:01:03): Carnival Corporation’s decision to shut down P&O Australia’s division and its impact on Carnival Cruise Line’s fleet expansion.
• Cruise Tourism Impact on Juneau (00:07:15): Discussion of the limitations on cruise ship visits to Juneau, Alaska, and the local response to managing increasing tourist numbers.
• Royal Caribbean Ship Delay (00:11:08): Explanation of the delay in a Royal Caribbean ship’s arrival at port due to high winds and the resulting impact on passenger embarkation and disembarkation.
• Gastrointestinal Illness on Flight (00:12:45): Incident of passengers experiencing illness on a flight, possibly originating from a cruise ship, and the response to the situation.
• Listener Question on Canceled Cruise (00:15:31): Richard’s opinion on the recent story of a canceled cruise and whether Carnival should refund the affected passenger’s money.
• Carnival Cruise Cancellation (00:17:21): Discuss a personal cancellation of a cruise vacation and its potential reasons.
• Carnival’s Response (00:18:18): Debate over whether Carnival should take responsibility and the potential impact on future cruise cancellations.

Norwegian Joy Interview

• Norwegian Joy Refurbishment (00:20:56): Discuss the refurbishment and multiple iterations of Norwegian Joy, including changes made for different markets.
• Chinese Cruise Market (00:24:06): Exploration of the factors that led to the shift in demand for cruise ships from China to other regions.
• Future Renovations (00:25:51): Speculation on the potential trend of adding more cabins and accommodations in ship renovations due to increasing demand.
• Solo Staterooms and Demographics (00:27:22): Insights on the design of solo staterooms and the changing demographics of cruise travelers.
• Observation Lounge and Virtual Reality Area (00:28:14): Details about the transformation of the observation area and the conversion of the virtual reality area into a thermal suite.
• Thermal Suite Experience (00:29:22): Description of the enhanced thermal suite experience on the Norwegian Joy, including spacious and well-designed facilities.
• Spa Innovations (00:31:41): Exploration of innovative spa features, such as the four senses chair, and their reception among spa enthusiasts.
• The cold plunge and thermal suite (00:32:35): Discussion about the popularity of cold plunges in the fitness and health community and the inclusion of cold plunge pools and snow rooms in the thermal suite on the cruise ship.
• Pool deck and Lido pool (00:34:38) Description of the pool deck layout and the limited pool space on the ship, including the separate pools for adults and kids.
• Spice H2O and Vibe Beach Club (00:36:46): Details about the 39-person hot tub at Spice H2O, the 18+ area with a bar and theme parties, and the expanded Vibe Beach Club, including the fee and the atmosphere.
• The Haven area (00:39:55): Changes in the Haven area, including new suites and the experience of priority access for shows and activities.
• Onboard entertainment (00:42:51): Discuss the changes in onboard entertainment, the absence of Broadway shows, and the impact on the overall entertainment experience.
• Theme parties and nightlife (00:44:56): Review of the glow party and other theme parties, the energy from the 20-something crowd, and the role of the DJ in making the theme parties successful.
• Final thoughts on the refurbishment (00:46:32): Summary of the refurbishment of Norwegian Joy, including the addition of the thermal suite and Vibe Beach Club and a caution regarding the traditional cruise experience.