Cruise Radio

A 2022 review of Carnival Radiance from Long Beach, California.  Richard has cruise news:  Disney Wish has been christened in Port Canaveral, Florida  Carnival Corporation releases Q2 earnings and makes money again  Carnival Cruise Line debuts new food menu item, new ship entertainment team  Norwegian cruise ship damaged when hitting an iceberg in Alaska  Celebrity Cruises' full fleet is back in service, completing all 63 Royal Caribbean Group vessels  Listener Q: Any idea when Carnival will bring back some of their VIFP perks? — Donna  --- 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.

A review of Royal Caribbean Odyssey of the Seas. This is one of the newer Royal Caribbean ships that made its North American debut in November 2022 and is spending the summer sailing the Mediterranean.  Richard has cruise news:  Carnival adds two more ships to its U.S. lineup  Crystal Cruises returns after bankruptcy  Carnival Corp brand drops pre-cruise testing  Disney Wish readies for its July debut from Port Canaveral  Norwegian delays another ship because of supply chain issues  Listener Question: We are looking to try our first Celebrity Crusie next year and currently pricing them out. I know it's all-inclusive pricing, but the only issue is we gave up drinking years ago. Is there a way to get a lower fare if we want to opt-out of the drink package? — Linda  --- 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.

A review of Discovery Princess in Alaska. Dan from TripInsurance.com answers your listener questions as the U.S. government drops restrictions on inbound COVID testings for flights. 

This week we get a review of Carnival Sunshine, a Sunshine-class ship that is sailing year-round from Charleston, South Carolina. This was a Bahamas cruise calling to Princess Cays and Nassau.  Richard has cruise news on:  Carnival Celebration details revealed  Norwegian Escape sailings canceled  Carnival Freedom set to return after fire  Two more lines complete the restart  Holland America Line ship christened in Rotterdam  A bankrupt cruise line starts over  --- 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.

This week we get a review of Celebrity Reflection.  --- 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.

A review of Holland America Line's 2016 built ms Koningsdam from San Diego, California. This was a California Coastal cruise with a stop in Ensenada, Mexico.  Richard has cruise news on:  Could Carnival Corporation offload Seabourn Cruises?  Two cruise ships are for sale in The Bahamas  Norwegian Cruise Line has staffing issues on one ship and redeploys another  A full return to service for Royal Caribbean International  Carnival Cruise Line sees two-million guests since the cruise industry restart  Listener Question: Can I use a birth certificate to board a cruise ship?  XXXX 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. 

This week we get a review from a first-time cruiser who took a quick three-night sailing on Carnival Liberty from Port Canaveral, Florida. This sailing had one Fun Day at Sea and a port stop in Nassau, Bahamas. We get a comprehensive ship review through the lens of a first-time cruiser.  Richard Simms has cruise news:  Carnival makes adjustments to onboard dining  New cruise port coming to The Bahamas  Margaritaville at Sea sets sail  Record booking day for one cruise line  Cruise ship bumps into a dock in Alaska Listener Question:   XXXX 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. 

A review of Norwegian Cruise Line's 2019-launched ship Norwegian Encore. Encore was only in service for a couple of months before the pandemic shut the cruise industry down.   Richard has cruise news:  Two cruise lines have resumed full operation  CDC makes changes to cruise line rules  Carnival is sailing from San Fransico for the first time ever  Celebrity Cruises picks a godmother for Celebrity Beyond  Barnacles cause a cruise to be canceled Listener Question: I heard Princess Cruises is now offering all-inclusive pricing, what can you tell me about that?  — Julie  XXXX 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.   

A 2022 review of Carnival Legend, a Carnival Cruise Line Spirit-class ship.    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. 

A review of Royal Caribbean's Oasis of the Seas. -- 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. 

A review of Carnival Cruise Line's last Vista-class ship, Carnival Panorama. This was a seven-night cruise from Long Beach, California, to Cabo, Puerto Vallarta, and Mazatlan, Mexico. We get a comprehensive review of the cruise ship, dining onboard, and ports of call down in the Mexican Riviera.  Richard Simms has cruise news:  Australia has reopened its cruise industry  Grand Cayman drops cruise ship restrictions  Jimmy Buffett's cruise ship is being converted to a Margaritaville at Sea  Self-serve buffets are back on Royal Caribbean  Norwegian Escape returns to service  Another drug bust on MSC Seaside in Europe -- 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.  

This week we get a review of Celebrity Constellation. This was an 11-night cruise from Tampa, Florida to the Caribbean and Central America. We get a full review of the ship, the destinations, and what Kirk and his wife thought of a longer-than-normal cruise.  Richard Simms has cruise news on:  Cruising is back for Canada and Alaska Royal Caribbean cuts steel for one ship and names the next vessel  Prices are on the increase at Carnival Cruise Line  Another Fantasy-class ship scrapped  10 guests on MSC Seaside were busted for transporting drugs  Listener Q: What are the requirements for iFly on Royal Caribbean's Anthem of the Seas?  -- 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 Dream. This was a three-night cruise from Port Canaveral to Nassau, Bahamas, and the private island Castaway Cay.  Dan Skilken from TripInsurance.com drops by discussing the importance of travel insurance over the past few months, including the Crystal Cruises' bankruptcy, Norwegian Escape running aground, CDC lifting cruise travel advisory, and canceling an Eastern European vacation because of the conflict between Ukraine and Russia.  -- 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.  

Scott gives us a review of the largest cruise ship in the world in 2022, Royal Caribbean's Wonder of the Seas. This was a seven-night Western Caribbean voyage from Port Everglades. We get a comprehensive review of this brand new cruise ship.   Richard Simms has cruise news:  CDC drops cruise travel warning  New zone revealed aboard upcoming mega-ship Carnival Celebration.  Another sailing of Norwegian Escape was canceled due to ongoing repairs.  Discovery Princess enters service from Los Angeles.  Grand Cayman welcomes cruise ships again  Listener Question: What do I need to know about doing a back-to-back cruise on two different cruise lines this December in Port Canaveral?       

A review of Carnival Cruise Line's Miami-based Carnival Sunrise. This vessel used to be Carnival Triumph before a $200 million refurbishment in 2019. The five-night cruise stopped in Ocho Rios and Bimini Island before returning to PortMiami.  --- 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.  

A review of Royal Caribbean's private island in the Bahamas, Perfect Day at CocoCay.  Richard has cruise news:  The CDC lowers the cruise travel health warning Norwegian Escape cancels voyage mid-cruise after running aground Australia is returning to cruising in April 2022  Princess Cruises adds two more U.S. homeports this year  Carnival Cruise Line wraps its 50th birthday with a giant party on Carnival Conquest Listener Question: Was your cruise on Norwegian Getaway free?  -- 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.  

In this week's episode, we speak with Adam about his five-night Mariner of the Seas voyage out of Port Canaveral in December 2021. He discusses his cabin, the ship's food and entertainment, and what he did at Royal Caribbean's private island Perfect Day at CocoCay. Richard has cruise news: Norwegian details upcoming cruise ship Carnival's 50th anniversary meet up  MSC goes year-round in NYC  Carnival Spirit and Carnival Esctasy return to service Allure of the Seas goes to three- and four-night sailings in 2023  Listener Question: What is cruising like in 2022? -- 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.  

Chris and his wife just returned from a five-night cruise to the western Caribbean aboard Norwegian Getaway. He tells us about his experience with a Haven aft balcony suite, the dining and entertainment on the ship, and his time in Cozumel and Norwegian's private destination in Belize, Harvest Caye. Richard has cruise news:  Carnival details more itineraries  8 cruise lines drop masks mandates Norwegian details business in a latest earnings update  Could cruise ships become apartments? Norwegian Sky returns to sailings  Listener Question: Should I prepay my gratuity or tip cash at the end?   -- 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.  

After six months in service, we get a review of Virgin Voyages' newly launched Scarlet Lady. This was a five-night cruise from PortMiami to Costa Maya, Mexico, and Bimini Island.    Richard has cruise news on:  Multiple cruise lines drop mask mandates  The world's largest cruise ship makes it to America  Canada ports prepare for a 2022 cruise season Carnival Sensation reportedly sold for scrap  Carnival Celebration gets a new atrium  111 cruise lines participate in the new CDC agency cruise rules  Listener Question: What is the best way to bid for an upgrade on Norwegian Cruise Line?    -- 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.  

Marc and his family recently returned from a six-night New Year's Eve cruise aboard Carnival Miracle from Long Beach, Califonia. This cruise went down to Cabo and Ensenada. We get a comprehensive review of the ship, what he thought of the food, the condition of the vessel, and his overall thoughts of this Carnival Miracle cruise.  Richard has cruise news on:  CDC drops cruise travel warning down one level Crystal Cruises hangs it up after 30 years  Smoking in the casinos are back for Carnival Cruise Line  Virgin Voyages opens its new terminal in PortMiami  Most 2023 Norwegian Sky sailings go dark Listener Q: What is a Carnival Sailabration cruise and are they still available to book?  -- 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 Norwegian Cruise Line's Norwegian Gem. This was a five-night cruise to Bermuda from New York City, with a double-dip at the island. Daniel traveled as both a solo guest and for the first time on Norwegian Cruise Line.  Cruise news will return next week. Check out the Cruise News Today podcast feed or the Cruise Radio YouTube Channel for daily news.  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.  

A review of Royal Caribbean's Freedom of the Seas. Four-night cruise from Port Miami to Nassau, Bahamas, and Royal Caribbean's private island Perfect Day at CocoCay.    Richard has cruise news on:  Cruise ship halts a rocket launch  Carnival pulls a ship from Australia  Disney changes its COVID policies for testing  Queen Mary could reopen to the public this year  Royal Caribbean returns to Labadee  A couple gets caught with over 500 prohibited items    Listener Q: What are some first-time cruise tips for picking a sailing during a pandemic? -- 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.  

A Sky Princess review is on deck this week with Marc. This was his very first Princess sailing and it won't be his last. The ship sailed from Port Everglades on a seven-night Eastern Caribbean itinerary with stops in Princess Cays, Nassau, Amber Cove, and Grand Turk.  Richard Simms has cruise news:  A cruise ship on the run  Carnival opens bookings for new ship  Virgin Voyages is already doing a cabin refresh  COVID tests could soon be $10 on Carnival  Carnival doubles down on COVID protocols with masks, testing, and vaccinated-only sailings  Listener Question: Will Carnival Cruise Line require a booster shot?  -- 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 talk with Isaiah about his recent seven-night cruise aboard Carnival Magic out of Port Canaveral, Florida. He goes over his experience in a balcony cabin for the first time, the food and entertainment onboard, and his time in the ports on this eastern Caribbean itinerary. Richard has cruise news on:   The CDC has let the Conditional Sailing Order expire Crystal Crusies' parent company has filed for bankruptcy  Norwegian changes its Free at Sea program  Royal Caribbean debuts a new venue on Wonder of the Seas  Celebrity is delaying the return of a west coast ship, and canceling a Mediterranean season for one ship Mardi Gras cruise director takes a promotion  Listener question: I signed up for the free testing kit the the United States Postal Service is sending out. Will that test work for my pre-cruise testing requirement? — Billy   

Brad chats with us about his recent five-night western Caribbean cruise aboard Norwegian Cruise Line's ship Norwegian Joy. He goes over how well guests were following COVID protocols, what dining was like, and detailed his experience with entertainment throughout the sailing. -- 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.  

Chad chats with us about his recent sailing aboard MSC Cruises' new ship MSC Seashore. He discusses his stay in the vessel's ship-within-a-ship complex The Yacht Club, as well as his experience with other dining, activities, and entertainment around the ship. --- 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.  

Sheldon chats with us about his experience on Celebrity Apex's third cruise ever — a six-night Greek Isles voyage out of Athens. He goes over his first impressions of the brand-new ship, his cabin with infinite veranda, the dining, entertainment, and how the extremely low capacity on board affected the sailing. 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.  

Richard just returned from a seven-night Eastern Caribbean cruise on Carnival Cruise Line's newest megaship Mardi Gras. This was his first cruise and two years, and he treated himself to an aft excel suite balcony. We get a comprehensive review of the ship, ports of call, and what he thoughts of BOLT the first roller coaster at sea.  --- 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.  

Kevin and his family just returned from a seven-night Western Caribbean cruise on Royal Caribbean's Allure of the Seas. We get a full review of the ship, itinerary, and the new protocols that Royal has during the cruise industry restart on its largest ships.  --- 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.  

Staff writer Richard Simms checks in with us from Carnival Cruise Line's newest ship Mardi Gras. He is on a seven-night cruise and gives us his first impressions and how he's enjoying his Excel suite (that includes access to Loft 19).  Walter just returned from a seven-night cruise aboard Norwegian Cruise Line's Norwegian Jade from Athens, Greece. This was a Greek Isles cruise with vaccinated guests only. On top of sailing in the Mediterranean this summer, he also booked a Haven Suite. We talk about his experience and just how it was.  Listener Q: Matt from Royal Caribbean Blog answers a listener question on getting a child tested for a Christmas sailing with a lot of the pharmacies being closed on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.  --- 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.  

This week Richard Simms gets us caught up on this week's cruise news.  Another Carnival Cruise Line ship has issues  John Heald gets dumps a bunch of cruise line news  Celebrity Cruises' changes its vaccination policy  Norwegian Cruise Line resumes sailing from the Gulf Coast  Virgin Voyages donates 100s of cabins on Scarlet Lady NCL cancels sailings from South Africa Listener Question:  1. We have a Carnival cruise booked out of Port Canaveral for late December. We're trying to arrange testing before we go, but are thinking about making a reservation for pier-side testing as a backup. Is there any reason we shouldn't do this?   2. I heard you can stay overnight on Ocean Cay. Is that true?   --- 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.  

Brian and Deb just returned from the first sailing that Norwegian Cruise Line did from Port Canaveral. This was a seven-night Eastern Caribbean cruise that included St. Thomas, Tortolla, and Norwegian's private island Great Stirrup Cay.   Richard Simms has cruise news: One of the big guys at Royal Caribbean is stepping down after 33 years  World's largest cruise ship hits milestone Carnival Vista will move ports in 2023  A milestone out in Los Angeles this past weekend.  Carnival is doing it again  This restart is ramping up quickly, what are the latest ships back in service?  Listener Question: Can I buy a mask on a cruise?  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.  

Mark just returned from a seven-night cruise aboard Royal Caribbean's Oasis of the Seas. This was a cruise that went down to the Bahamas with a brief stop in Florida. Departing out of the New York City metro area, Mark shares his thoughts, his first impressions, and what it was like being a first-time cruiser on Royal Caribbean.  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 catch up with Holland America Line's President about the brand new ms Rotterdam and speak with Seth Wayne, Holland America Line's brand ambassador.  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.  

Travel insurance policies have changed over the cruise industry shutdown. In some areas larger than others, especially when it comes to a test yielding a positive test result.  Dan Skilken, President of TripInsurance.com joins us to break down what has changed, and what hasn't over the course of the pandemic.  Richard has cruise news:  A recording-breaking passenger day in Nassau, Bahamas  Celebrity Apex is christened in Port Everglades, Florida  Royal Caribbean updates Ultimate World Cruise sales  Two cruise lines have earnings calls and it looks good moving forward  Cruise line enters Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade  You can cruise with Chef Emeril this Thanksgiving  Listener Question: We do not have a smartphone, do we have to use the Ocean Medallion token on Princess Cruises?  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.  

A review of Carnival Cruise Line's newest mega-ship Mardi Gras. This was a seven-night Western Caribbean sailing from Port Canaveral. This is a special interview because our guest is legally blind and his wife is blind. We go into detail about Carnival's special needs department and how the line accommodates ADA requests.  Richard Simms has cruise news:  The CDC has extended and modified the Conditional Sailing Order  Carnival Cruise Line's newest ship Mardi Gras was officially christened  Carnival Radiance is officially in North America Virgin Voyages Scarlet Lady comes to the aid of distressed boaters off the coast of Florida  A former cruise ship is now the largest floating nightclub Listener Question: I read in one of your articles that on Mardi Gras, you can use the Hub App to order food and have it delivered anywhere on the ship. I always get hungry halfway through a show... can I have a snack delivered to the theater?  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.  

A review of Princess Cruises Majestic Princess. This ship was built for Asia and has been sailing in the region since 2017, until the pandemic. In the summer of 2021, Majestic Princess start sailing Alaska, and then was repositioned to Los Angeles. Next summer, the ship will head back to Alaska offering seven-night voyages to the last frontier.  Richard Simms has cruise news on:  The verdict from the MSC Cruise collision with a riverboat in 2019 in Venice  Royal Caribbean launches first world cruise, how much does it cost?  Celebrity Cruises goes heavy on Europe in 2023  A former Carnival Cruise Line ship heads to the scrapyard Cruise lines prepare for the international travel ban to be lifted on November 8.  Listener Q: Does the Royal Caribbean Ultimate Dining Package work for all the venues onboard, even the a la carte.  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.     

A review of Norwegian Cruise Line's Norwegian Encore. This ship was launched in 2019 and only sailed a couple of months before the cruise industry shutdown. William and his family sailed this seven-night cruise to Southeast Alaska from Seattle.  Richard has cruise news on:  Grand Turk could see cruise ships by the end of 2021  More Carnival Corporation cruise ships returned to service over the weekend  San Francisco reopened to cruise ships this week  Nearly 250,000 guests have sailed Carnival Cruise Line over the past three months  Another cruise line adds a second world cruise Listener Questions:  If you've got a minute could you tell me if the Covid home test for Royal Caribbean can be done anytime during the day/night.  We are heading to Miami 2 days before sailing and need to be at the airport by 9:00 a.m. Thursday (sailing Saturday).  Would be nice if we could use the test kit around 7 a.m. — Carol We are sailing Mardi Gras and have a question about Carnival Kitchen. How much does it cost, what is involved, and how do we make reservations for it? Is this like a chef's table experience? 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. 

A review of Royal Caribbean's Freedom of the Seas. This was a four night cruise to Perfect Day at CocoCay and Nassau, Bahamas from Miami, Florida. Richard Simms has cruise news.  Listener Q: What is the best cruise to take to see if I even like cruising?  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. 

On this episode with talk with Tom McAlpin, CEO and President of Virgin Voyages. Virgin's newest ship Scarlet Lady is finally home in PortMiami where she is about to start sailing revenue cruises on October 6.  Sheri Griffiths from CruiseTipsTV stops by to give her first impressions of Scarlet Lady.  Richard Simms has cruise news:  The State of the Industry address at SeaTrade Cruise Global Royal Caribbean will start allowing pre-cruise testing at pier for a fee  Norwegian Breakaway is sailing again out of New York City Virgin Voyages gears up for Caribbean sailings from PortMiami  A cruise line teams up with a submarine company  Listener Q: What is the best way to use my onboard credit?  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. 

Kirk just returned from a seven-night Alaska cruise on Celebrity Millennium from Seattle, Washington. We get a full review of sailing Alaska in 2021 and if cruising to the last frontier is different. Richard Simms has cruise news: Carnival backtracks on pierside pre-cruise testing Royal Caribbean pulls a cruise ship from China, moves to the US Proposed Alaska bill would stop mandatory Canadian port calls MSC Cruises returns to Divina from Port Canaveral A beer company is teaming up with cruise lines to help train staff in a new era of bars Listener Question: What is the feedback from cruise passengers taking the at-home COVID-19 test? — Anne  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. 

Carter and his wife recently returned from a cruise aboard one of MSC's newer ships, MSC Meraviglia. In this interview, they talk to us about the boarding process, dining, entertainment, and how MSC has adjusted things since COVID. They also detail their experience on MSC's private island in the Bahamas, Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve. Richard Simms has cruise news: Virgin Voyages's Scarlet Lady is back in the USA Carnival Cruise Line revamps its Have Fun. Be Safe. policies for the casino  One-third of Norwegian Cruise Line's ships are sailing again  Carnival gives more testing options  Royal Caribbean updates sailing protocols on all cruises through October 15.  Listener Question: What is the best option for taking my pre-cruise COVID test before embarking from Port Canaveral, Florida on a seven-night cruise? — Mark  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. 

In August, Daniel and his eight-year-old daughter took a four-night cruise aboard Disney Dream — their first cruise in 20 months. He joins us on the show to discuss how embarkation differed from the last time he sailed, the dining experience, the entertainment quality, and the sailing's double-dip at Disney's private island Castaway Cay. 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.   

In the episode, we interview Kerry about his seven-night Western Caribbean cruise aboard Norwegian Gem. This was the first Norwegian Cruise Line ship to depart Florida since the shutdown in March 2020.  Kerry also discusses what life was like on board during the seven-night voyage and the kind of health protocols the company has in place.  We also learn what it was like being in the Caribbean while a hurricane is spinning around.  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 writer Dave Monk recently took one of Virgin Voyages' first revenue sailings ever out of Portsmouth, England. Sailing a four-night “cruise to nowhere” aboard the line's first ship, Scarlet Lady, he had plenty of time to explore and check out its various offerings. In this interview, he offers his impressions of this trip vs. his first time on board last year, the dining options, whether the ship REALLY doesn't have a buffet, and what amenities the ship has for passengers to enjoy. Dave also discusses who the cruise line's target audience is and goes over how to decide whether or not a Virgin Voyages cruise is right for you — because it's quite different than any other cruise line in the world. 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. 

Today we get a review of Celebrity Equinox. This is Celebrity Cruises' second cruise ship sailing from Florida. The cruise was a seven-night sailing to the Eastern Caribbean. This was a last-minute cruise for John and his wife, booking just a week before the ship set sail.  We get a comprehensive review of the ship, the itinerary, and health protocols as ships return to sailing again.  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. 

Ashley Kosciolek from The Points Guy, and Doug answer listener questions about Carnival Cruise Line's newest mega-ship Mardi Gras.  Richard has cruise news on:  The latest in the Florida and Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings (NCLH) lawsuit  Disney Cruise Line returning to sailing  Mardi Gras completes inaugural voyage Carnival Cruise Line changes health protocols in August  First Cunard Line ship returns to service Question: How do we know the protocols in each port of call we visit. 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. 

A sneak look at Carnival Cruise Line's maiden voyage of Mardi Gras, the ship that holds the same name as the company's first vessel in 1972.  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 talk with former cruise line executive Art Sbarsky about the cruising industry restart and talk shop about moves the cruise lines are doing to earn extra revenue.  Richard Simms has cruise news: It's been a long 16 months but a lot of ships are back into service The UK greenlights international cruises  The CDC and Florida lawsuit drags on — has it ended yet? Norwegian has finally returned to sailing  Disney has announced new testing protocols  Bimini island gets first Carnival ship call  Question: How strict have the cruise lines been on embarkation and arriving at your appointment times? Diane  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.

This week we get a review of Royal Caribbean's Freedom of the Seas. This was a four-night cruise that called to private island Perfect Day at CocoCay and Nassau, Bahamas. Freedom is one of the Royal Caribbean was one of the ships that conducted a simulated voyage so it could allow more unvaccinated guests to board, most of them being families with kids under 12.  Stewart Chiron the Cruise Guy is sailing in the Aegean Sea on Celebrity Apex this week. We catch up with him while on a sea day between cruise ports.  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.   Celebrity Apex check-in

This week are sailing on the first Carnival Cruise Line ship from Florida. This was a six-night Eastern Caribbean cruise from PortMiami to Amber Cove and private island Half Moon Cay.  We speak with: Carnival Cruise Line President, Christine Duffy Brand Ambassador John Heald  VP of Beverage Operations, Eddie Allen  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.