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A Different Way to Think About Hawaii Hawaii is already on most people's bucket list — but the default plan of flying in, picking one island, and paying resort prices for a week leaves a lot on the table. Ryan and Julie make the case for cruising as a smarter alternative: multiple islands in one trip, no inter-island flights to juggle, and the cost of dining, drinks, and accommodations built in. This episode walks through three distinct cruise options for Hawaii, from a brand-new round-trip itinerary out of Los Angeles to the only inter-island cruise currently available, plus a bucket-list option that keeps going all the way to French Polynesia.Why Cruise Hawaii at All? For past cruisers especially, the appeal is clear: skip the long haul flight exhaustion, avoid the logistical headache of island-hopping by air, and see more of the archipelago in less time — all while sleeping between destinations. Hawaii is an expensive place to visit independently, and having dining, drinks, and onboard activities included makes a cruise a genuinely competitive option on price. Ryan and Julie note that comfort and familiarity on the ship is a real advantage too, especially for first-time visitors who don't yet know which resort on which island will suit them.Option 1: Celebrity Cruises Round-Trip from Los Angeles (Brand New) This newly released itinerary is getting attention for good reason. It departs and returns from Los Angeles — no international connections, no Vancouver routing — and includes a stop in San Francisco before heading out across four sea days to the islands. Once there, guests spend two days on the Big Island (Hilo and Kailua-Kona — the rainforest and volcano side, then the beach and surf side), followed by two days on Oahu. The return includes a stop in Ensenada, Mexico before arriving back in California. Ryan and Julie note the pricing surprised them — this itinerary is not significantly more expensive than a standard cruise, and concierge-level rooms are available at an accessible price point. One client was already booked before it officially released.Option 2: Norwegian Cruise Line's Pride of America — Inter-Island Cruise This is the only inter-island cruise currently available, and it's genuinely unique: a seven-night round trip departing from Honolulu on Oahu and returning to Honolulu. No sea days — every day is a port day, which means it's a go, go, go itinerary best suited to travelers who want maximum island time. Days two and three bring an overnight in Maui — Road to Hana on one day, beaches and water activities on the other. Days four and five cover both sides of the Big Island: Hilo for waterfalls, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, and rainbow falls, then Kona for beaches, surfing, kayaking, and deep sea fishing. Days six and seven bring an overnight in Kauai — Ryan's personal favorite island, known for dramatic landscapes, the Waimea Canyon (Hawaii's Grand Canyon), helicopter tours, and north shore kayaking and catamaran sailing. Julie's recommendation: add a few days in Honolulu before the cruise, not after. Get acclimated first, then let the ship be the relaxing finish.Option 3: The Bucket-List Extension — Hawaii to French Polynesia Julie's actual pick if the choice is wide open: the itineraries that continue past Hawaii into French Polynesia — Moorea, Bora Bora, Tahiti. More days at sea, more time to settle into the ship, and one of the most stunning combinations of destinations in the world. Ryan agrees that extended sea days are an underrated luxury, and this style of trip suits travelers who want to truly unwind between ports rather than sprint from island to island.A Note on Kauai Ryan extends his thoughts to Kauai, which was dealing with storm damage and infrastructure recovery at the time of recording. He's eager to return — and reminds listeners that the island will be ready to welcome visitors again when the time is right.Where in the World?
Jeanette, Evette and Tina sit down with Dr. Christina Afia Harris, a Black Studies PhD turned digital creator who shares Black-owned food, fun, fashion and travel with her followers. Dr. Afia talks about the Bent Wine Polo Classic, how Virgin Voyages stacks up against Norwegian Cruise Line, and why the Philly Black Wine Fest should be on your calendar next year. She also shares how she shoots her own content, and why Ghana and Haiti are her two favorite destinations out of the 45 countries she's visited. It's travel, wine and purpose, all in one episode. Connect with Dr. Afia: Website: https://www.drafiaabroad.com Instagram: @dr.afia_abroad https://instagram.com/dr.afia_abroad Mentioned in this episode: Bent Wine Co.: https://bentwineco.com Philly Black Wine Fest: https://phillyblackwinefest.com Subscribe for weekly travel talk, real conversation and the best events worth booking a flight for. #JETSettingDivas #DrAfia #BlackTravel #BlackOwned #PhillyBlackWineFest #TravelPodcast #ShelettaMakesMeLaugh
Norwegian Cruise Line has closed all public hot tubs and private balcony whirlpools aboard Norwegian Prima after three Legionnaires' disease diagnoses involving passengers on May and July 2026 sailings, with water testing underway across showers, faucets and hot tubs, all results negative so far, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention involved; NCL says it has not been confirmed whether the exposure occurred on the ship or elsewhere, and Caribbean itineraries from Port Canaveral continue unchanged. Carnival Cruise Line replaced self-muster with full in-person muster drills on Carnival Magic's September 13 departure from Miami and Carnival Paradise's September 14 departure from Tampa, sending guests to assigned muster stations for life-jacket demonstrations under SOLAS and coast guard rules that brand ambassador John Heald says every ship must meet twice a year. And the Royal Canadian Air Force airlifted an ill passenger from a cruise ship about 200 kilometres northwest of Port Hardy, British Columbia, with a CH-149 Cormorant helicopter and CC-295 Kingfisher aircraft from 442 Transport and Rescue Squadron at 19 Wing Comox, coordinated by Joint Rescue Coordination Centre Victoria; the ship was not named and the nature of the emergency was not disclosed.
Bei NCL ist einst die Idee der Kreuzfahrt-Privatinseln entstanden, vor fast 50 Jahren. Stetig, vor allem aber in den vergangenen Jahren hat Norwegian Cruise Line das Angebot auf ihrer Bahamas-Privatinsel Great Stirrup Cay ausgebaut – zuletzt mit einer Pier für zwei Schiffe und einem großen Wasserpark. Cruisetricks.de war zur Eröffnung des Wasserparks auf Great Stirrup Cay, hat sich aber auch die ganze Insel genau angesehen. Darüber sprechen wir in dieser Podcast-Episode: Was bietet Great Stirrup Cay? Und auch das ist Thema: Warum investieren Kreuzfahrt-Reedereien eigentlich so viel Geld in diese Inseln? Welche Vorteile bringt das für die Passagiere, aber auch für die Reederei. Etwas abseits der Kreuzfahrt berichtet Jerome im zweiten Teil der Podcast-Episode über seine sechswöchige Thailand-Reise – mit durchaus auch ein paar Tipps, die für Kreuzfahrt-Fans interessant sein können, wenn sie auf einer Asien-Kreuzfahrt mit dem Schiff in einem thailändischen Hafen festmachen. After-Show als Bonus und Extra-Podcast für unsere Steady-Abonnenten In der Aftershow sprechen wir über einen eigentlich gar nicht so neuen Trend, der zuletzt aber wieder Schlagzeilen gemacht hat, weil einige Reedereien ihn lieber beenden würden: Cruising Ducks. Was es mit den kleinen Quietsche-Entchen auf sich hat und was manche Reedereien gegen sie haben, darum geht es in dieser exklusiven Extrarunde für unsere Steady-Abonnenten. Die After-Show, ebenso wie die werbefreie Version des Podcasts, ist ein besonderes Goodie [exklusiv für unsere Unterstützer via Steady](https://steadyhq.com/de/cruisetricks-podcast/about), das wir in einem eigenen, kleinen Podcast bereitstellen. Bei Steady finden Sie als Abonnent eine [genaue Anleitung](https://get.steadyhq.help/hc/de/articles/360002251118), wie Sie diesen Podcast abonnieren können. Werbefrei hören den Podcast all diejenigen von Ihnen, die uns mit einem Steady-Abonnement monatlich unterstützen. Den Podcast und die After-Show gibt es deshalb für Steady-Abonnenten an einem Stück komplett und ohne Werbeunterbrechungen über den personalisierten RSS-Podcast-Feed bei Steady – siehe oben.
Summary Tom Kim and Trevor Mountcastle compare two very different cruise experiences, one on Norwegian in the Caribbean and one on Princess in Europe. The episode is useful if you care about cruise line differences, private islands, food quality, port logistics, and how loyalty status and onboard programs can change the experience. We discuss why one trip was relaxing but disappointing on food, while the other delivered stronger dining, better port stops, and a more polished overall experience. Trevor also shares several practical travel notes from hotels, airports, lounges, and transfers along the way. Key Points From This Episode: 00:00 - Cruise update intro and why they have not talked cruises in a while 02:29 - Norwegian Getaway weekend itinerary out of Miami 03:49 - Club Suite booking and what the cabin actually included 05:04 - Relaxing family trip, but the food was a major problem 07:05 - Great Stirrup Key's docked arrival versus tendering 08:25 - Why Great Stirrup Key exceeded expectations 10:02 - Island layout, pool area, bars, and food walk to the beach 12:27 - Main criticism of Norwegian food quality 13:27 - Great Stirrup Key expansion and the private island arms race 14:30 - Cruise pricing, early booking, and supply and demand 17:18 - Caribbean cruise competition across major ports 19:07 - European cruise setup: Lyon, EasyJet, and Athens 21:14 - EasyJet delay, airport breakfast, and free onboard purchases 24:41 - Grand Hyatt Athens and elite status value 27:57 - Transfer to Piraeus and boarding the Sun Princess 29:14 - Princess Sphere Class and why the line feels more premium 30:28 - Dining on Princess, including the Crown Grill 31:47 - Princess casino policy and how it differs from Norwegian 33:07 - Princess points, free drinks, and better comp opportunities 34:48 - Santorini excursion and the risk of tendering there 36:27 - Bar Montenegro and why Kotor is the more interesting stop 39:33 - Corfu, old town, and Prince Philip connection 41:41 - Messina, the clock tower show, and arancini 43:50 - Cannoli in Sicily and why fresh-to-order matters 46:09 - Sicily, Catania, and why the island deserves more time 48:30 - Barcelona departure, airport lounges, and Priority Pass meals 50:44 - Emirates Gold, Priority Pass, and keeping card benefits alive 52:44 - Air France return, mobility assistance, and smooth immigration 54:46 - Charles de Gaulle heat and Europe's air conditioning problem 56:24 - Final thoughts on Princess, medallion tech, and Alaska plans —---------------- Key Topics for Episode Discussion Post: Trevor's quick weekend Norwegian cruise out of Miami on the Norwegian Getaway, with Nassau and Great Stirrup Key as the two stops Why the Norwegian booking was unusual: paid cash, weekend timing, and a Club Suite that was cheaper than an ocean view cabin The biggest downside of the Norwegian trip: consistently poor food, with meals ranging from mediocre to borderline inedible Great Stirrup Key as a major bright spot, especially after the switch from tendering to docking How Great Stirrup Key compares with CocoCay in layout, walking distance, pool design, bars, and food access The broader cruise market discussion about pricing, booking early versus waiting, and why Caribbean cruises feel like an arms race Trevor's Mediterranean cruise on Princess out of Athens, with stops in Santorini, Bar Montenegro, Corfu, Messina, and Barcelona Travel logistics before the Princess cruise, including Lyon, EasyJet, Athens, the Grand Hyatt Athens, and port transfers Why Princess felt stronger on food, casino perks, and onboard technology than Norwegian The value of Princess's medallion system, including cabin-door unlocking and shipmate location features Keywords Travel, Princess Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Lines, Travel Tips, Cruising, Caribbean, European Cruising.
Great Tides Waterpark is officially open at Norwegian Cruise Line's Great Stirrup Cay, and we tried it ALL! In this episode, Junior and I are sharing our firsthand experience - from Tidal Tower and the cliff jumps to the Wandering River and swim-up bar. We'll talk about our favorite slides, what's included, food and drinks, what to bring, and our best tips for making the most of your day at Great Tides. Shop our favorite cruise essentials on Amazon
Juneau's Assembly has delayed a proposed five-ship daily cruise limit after the city attorney warned that litigation is unavoidable and legal defense could cost between $1 million and $4 million, with the measure sent back to the Visitor Industry Task Force for recommendations this fall. Norwegian Cruise Line has opened Great Tides Waterpark at Great Stirrup Cay in the Bahamas, a nearly six-acre park with 19 slides, two cliff jumps and a 170-foot Tidal Tower, welcoming its first guests from Norwegian Luna. And Marella Cruises has launched a September sale offering up to 300 pounds off bookings made through the end of the month for sailings between October 2026 and December 2027. This episode looks at cruise crowding, private island entertainment, and whether the current round of cruise deals delivers real value.
In this live episode of Humans of Travel, host Chelsee Lowe talks smart business growth with Joe Leon, vice president of sales, the Americas for Silversea; Marc-Antoine Kamel, national director, Canada, for Norwegian Cruise Line; and Mickey McBride, vice president of sales for Avoya Travel. The trio attended Future Leaders in Travel in Mexico’s Riviera Maya last month to share their career paths and impart business wisdom to both travel advisors and fellow suppliers in the audience. The panel discussion covers tackling professional and personal curveballs, taking risks, finding mentors, building confidence, dedicating time each day to business development, leveraging personal networks and much more. Listen in for practical and applicable ideas from three great business minds. This episode is sponsored by Travel Insured International. RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE Future Leaders in Travel Silversea Norwegian Cruise Line Avoya Travel Lomas Hospitality El Dorado Royale Atlantis Paradise Island Bahamas ABOUT YOUR HOST Chelsee Lowe is Senior Editor of TravelAge West, a print magazine and website for travel advisors based in the Western U.S. She’s an avid reader, writer, interviewer and traveler. Los Angeles is her home base. The TravelAge West team also produces travel industry events, including Future Leaders in Travel, Global Travel Marketplace West, the WAVE Awards gala and the Napa Valley Leadership Forum. ABOUT THE SHOW TravelAge West’s award-winning podcast, “Humans of Travel,” features conversations with exceptional people who have compelling stories to tell. Listeners will hear from the travel industry’s notable authorities, high-profile executives, travel advisors and rising stars as they share the highs and lows that make them human.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Philadelphia has opened a $60 million cruise terminal on the Delaware River, backed by a berthing agreement that keeps Norwegian Cruise Line sailing from the region through March 2033 with a minimum of 41 departures a year. Carnival Cruise Line opened sales on 144 Long Beach departures for 2028-29, with Carnival Radiance and Carnival Panorama running three- to eight-day Baja California and Mexican Riviera itineraries from May 2028 through April 2029. And Holland America Line added Nootka Sound to select 2028 Alaska sailings, part of a six-ship season built around its Great Alaska Explorer and Great Bear Rainforest routes. Today's episode looks at how cruise lines are reshaping North American departures and itineraries, from new homeports to expanded West Coast and Alaska options.
Norwegian Cruise Line's Norwegian Getaway returned to Miami on August 24 after a passenger fell from a stateroom balcony onto a lower exterior deck on the final night of a three-night Bahamas cruise; crew provided life-sustaining measures but the guest did not survive, and the Miami-Dade Sheriff's Office Homicide Bureau is handling the case as an unclassified death investigation. Margaritaville at Sea will begin weekly Galveston sailings in October 2027 under an operating agreement approved August 25, making it the seventh cruise brand operating from the Texas port, with the line already homeporting at the Port of Palm Beach and Port Tampa Bay. And Harland & Wolff's Belfast yard has won the 12-week refit of the Margaritaville at Sea Beachcomber, the former Costa Fortuna, a project expected to generate 40 million pounds for the Belfast region before the ship begins year-round Caribbean and Bahamas cruises from PortMiami in January 2027.
MSC Cruises has dismissed a lifeguard arrested at PortMiami after a seven-night Western Caribbean sailing aboard MSC World America, where a 17-year-old passenger was allegedly involved in unlawful sexual activity; the line says it contacted law enforcement immediately on discovering the breach of conduct. Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings has laid out a nearly $20 billion fleet plan running through 2037, adding 16 ships across Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises while five older vessels leave the fleet between 2026 and 2028, among them Norwegian Sky and Norwegian Sun, both bound for Cordelia Cruises. And in Texas, Galveston Wharves directors are weighing a memorandum of understanding with Royal Caribbean Group for Cruise Terminal 14, an Icon-class berth projected to handle about two million passenger movements a year under a ground lease valued at roughly $479 million over a possible 60-year term.
A seven-night Norwegian Jewel cruise review from Philadelphia to Bermuda and Halifax, Nova Scotia. Jacob shares what it was like sailing from Philadelphia's developing cruise terminal, including the unusual hotel check-in and shuttle process, as well as his first impressions of the 21-year-old Norwegian Jewel. We cover his interior cabin, a frustrating plumbing issue, the main dining room and buffet food, and specialty dining at Cagney's, Le Bistro, Moderno, and La Cucina. Jacob also discusses Norwegian's Freestyle Dining concept, entertainment, crowds, and whether the older ship still delivers good value. In Bermuda, he visits Horseshoe Bay, takes a sunset rum cruise, and goes clear kayaking before Norwegian Jewel heads north for a short stop in Halifax. Plus, we cover the week's cruise news, including changes to Norwegian Cruise Line's Free at Sea specialty dining benefit, Carnival's White Hot Night, Margaritaville at Sea's plans for Galveston, and Disney Cruise Line's return to New York. Share your thoughts: doug@cruiseradio.net Sponsor Cruise line protection is designed to help if you can't take your cruise. Third-party travel insurance helps protect you during the trip. Including medical care, delays, and unexpected issues. Compare plans and save up to 30% at TripInsurance.com. About Cruise Radio: Cruise Radio has been delivering cruise news, ship reviews, and money-saving tips weekly since 2009.
Federal agents arrested 11 foreign nationals aboard Holland America Line's Volendam and Norwegian Cruise Line's Norwegian Breakaway in Boston over a three-day operation, part of Operation Tidal Wave, on allegations involving child sexual abuse and exploitation material; all 11 are being processed for removal under the Immigration and Nationality Act. In Pittsburgh, the 150-passenger paddlewheeler American Heritage was blocked from its North Shore berth on Friday morning by two unauthorized moored boats, prompting the Sports & Exhibition Authority to begin the at-risk, derelict and abandoned boat notification process with the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission under Act 28. And Fitch Ratings upgraded the Port of Galveston's revenue bonds from A to A+, citing cruise growth that carried the port past 1.5 million passengers in 2024 and a 2025 forecast of 1.75 million passengers and more than 400 sailings.
Three stories on passenger safety and health at sea. Carnival Valor briefly listed to starboard on the Mississippi River near New Orleans on August 17, 2026, with passengers describing a sharp turn that sent pool water across upper decks and into indoor dining areas; the ship righted itself, arrived in New Orleans on schedule at 8 a.m. CDT and departed for its next cruise at 3:30 p.m., and Carnival said vessel movements of this nature can occur during normal navigation and that the circumstances are being reviewed. Norwegian Dawn scored 84 on a March 29, 2026 CDC Vessel Sanitation Program inspection, below the minimum passing score of 86, and Norwegian Cruise Line filed a corrective-action report with the CDC five days later, ahead of the ship's Jacksonville homeport season running November 2026 through March 2027. And off British Columbia, a passenger aboard Royal Caribbean's Ovation of the Seas was airlifted on August 8, 2026 roughly 52 nautical miles northwest of Tofino, after Joint Rescue Coordination Centre Victoria dispatched a CH-149 Cormorant helicopter and a CC-295 Kingfisher aircraft and the ship increased speed to 22 knots to reach the rendezvous point; the patient was taken to a Victoria hospital and the sailing continued its Alaska itinerary.
Disney Cruise Line has announced a new class of three ships from Meyer Werft, each about 105,000 tons and carrying up to 3,000 guests, with two debuting in 2029 and a third in late 2030; the vessels will use battery systems and shore-power connections and are designed to run on hydrotreated vegetable oil and renewable methanol rather than LNG, slotting between Disney Wonder and Disney Wish for greater deployment flexibility. Norwegian Cruise Line will bring Norwegian Prima to Galveston for its first summer season in Texas, sailing seven-night round-trip Western Caribbean itineraries from April through October 2028 out of Cruise Terminal 16, with calls at Cozumel, Costa Maya, Roatan and Harvest Caye. And Oceanwide Expeditions positioned Hondius and Plancius in Greenland's Scoresby Sund for the August 12 total solar eclipse, holding both ships in Ofjord as totality arrived at 17:35 local time.
Norwegian Cruise Line reshuffled two Hawaii itineraries as Tropical Storm Lala approached the islands, cutting short Pride of America's overnight call at Nawiliwili on Kauai and cancelling Norwegian Spirit's stops at Hilo and Kailua-Kona while the Coast Guard set Port Condition Zulu for Hawaii, Maui and Honolulu counties. Disney Cruise Line used its D23 presentation to reveal that Disney Believe, the fourth Wish-class ship now under construction at Meyer Werft in Papenburg, Germany, will center its Grand Hall on a bronze Moana statue flanked by Pua and Heihei, with the roughly 144,000-gross-ton, LNG-powered vessel due in service in late 2027. And in Greenland, Quark Expeditions guests aboard Ultramarine and Ocean Explorer watched the August 12, 2026 total solar eclipse from Harefjord, catching about two minutes and fifteen seconds of totality alongside science journalist David Baron and eclipse cartographer Michael Zeiler.
Sara's back — and this time she's bringing receipts. After sailing Disney Cruise Line three times, she just got off a Caribbean sailing on Norwegian's Prima, and she breaks down exactly how it stacked up: the price, the food, the kids club, and whether "half the cost" really means half the experience. In this episode: Why Sara chose Norwegian this time, including the personal reason behind the trip A real comparison of dining, entertainment, staterooms, and service between NCL and DCL The upcharges that added up fast, and where Norwegian still came out ahead on value Her kids' surprising reaction to Norwegian's un-themed kids club Plus this week's D23 Disney Cruise Line news and the debate over the Disney Believe's stern lettering There is something that feels so safe and so comfortable and so much like home for me when I'm on a Disney ship, but at the end of the day, I would still choose Disney. — Sara Support the Show: Support the show by booking your next Disney vacation with our sponsor, We Do Travel Right! Life is short, take the trip. Let the agents at We Do Travel Right handle the planning so you can focus on relaxing. Check out DCL Magazine for your ultimate guide to Disney Cruise Line tips and tricks, and use promo code DCLDUO for 10% off at the WDW Magazine store. Support the show by becoming a Patron! Join us over at Patreon. Your support each month allows us to keep putting out great content each and every week. Thanks to our current patrons for their support. Join today! You can subscribe for one annual discounted payment today. Stay Connected with the DCL Duo:Website | Instagram | Facebook | Facebook Group We're Ranked as a Top Podcast by Feedspot:Top 30 Disney Cruise Line Podcasts (#1) | Top 20 Cruise Podcasts (#2) | Top Disney Podcasts (#4) | Top 20 Disney Cruise Line Influencers (#12) The views expressed in this podcast are our own and do not reflect the views of the Walt Disney Company, Disney Cruise Line or any other travel provider discussed or mentioned.
A review of the Margaritaville at Sea Islander. This week we get a full review of Margaritaville at Sea Islander following a four-night cruise from Tampa to Cozumel. Sue joins us after her 42nd cruise to share why Islander exceeded her expectations and how the former Costa ship has been transformed into Margaritaville at Sea's newest Tampa-based cruise ship. Staff writer Richard Simms has cruise news on: Carnival Valor making a hard turn on the Mississippi River to avoid a cargo vessel, two passengers arrested following an alleged altercation aboard a cruise ship in Port Canaveral, a lawsuit involving a Norwegian Cruise Line passenger who says he was bitten by a pig during an excursion, Carnival's new shoe recycling program, and the latest CDC cruise ship sanitation inspection scores. Share your thoughts: doug@cruiseradio.net Sponsor Cruise line protection is designed to help if you can't take your cruise. Third-party travel insurance helps protect you during the trip. Including medical care, delays, and unexpected issues. Compare plans and save up to 30% at TripInsurance.com. About Cruise Radio: Cruise Radio has been delivering cruise news, ship reviews, and money-saving tips weekly since 2009.
Today's brief covers three stories. A 76-year-old American guest sailing aboard Norwegian Cruise Line's Norwegian Jewel died after becoming unresponsive while snorkeling at Ely's Harbour in Bermuda's Sandys Parish on Sunday, June 14; the Bermuda Police Service said foul play is not suspected and attributed the death to a pre-existing medical condition. Holland America Line has opened Rotterdam's 2027 Mediterranean program, five 10- and 11-day cruises plus a 14-day Barcelona-to-Fort Lauderdale transatlantic crossing running October 17 through December 8, 2027, with calls ranging from Lisbon and Palma de Mallorca to overnights in Istanbul and Haifa. And CLIA's 2025 Environmental Technologies and Practices Report details the industry's push toward net-zero emissions by 2050, noting that fewer than 3% of cruise ports worldwide currently offer shore power, that 120 cruise ships are equipped to connect today, and that 239 ships, nearly 80% of the fleet, are expected to be shore-power ready by 2028.
The racism in the dance competition world doesn't always show up as outright hostility. Sometimes racism looks like a studio owner quietly leaving your name off the audition list. Nicaya Wiley spent seasons two through seven on Dance Moms, and on this episode of Dance Dad with John Corella, she gets honest about what the experience cost her. Growing up as a Black dancer in a predominantly white studio meant rarely receiving corrections in class, questioning whether her body was built for this, and getting body shamed on national television before she was old enough to process what was happening. Her mom is central to everything. She submitted Nicaya directly to casting when the studio tried to quietly leave her off the list. She faced racial slurs in the dressing room, none of which made the air. She came out as gay on the show, which Nicaya calls the boldest thing she has ever witnessed. And she raised a daughter who eventually learned to stop apologizing for the body she was born in. Black dancers and body image in dance training is something the industry still doesn't talk about enough. Nicaya reflects on what changed for her after studying with the late Judith Jamison and what diversity in professional dance feels like now, performing aboard a Norwegian Cruise Line ship with castmates who finally look like her. If you've been wondering about the Dance Moms cast and where they are now, Nicaya Wiley is still dancing, still growing, and still the person her mother raised her to be. Episode Breakdown: 00:00 Nicaya Wiley on Racism in the Dance Competition World 01:32 The Four Questions With John and Nicaya 03:14 Training With Judith Jamison at Alvin Ailey 05:39 Learning to Never Apologize for Who You Are as a Dancer 07:38 Body Standards and Race in the Dance Competition World 10:40 The Economics of Flexibility in Dance Training 15:37 How Nicaya's Mom Got Her on Dance Moms 18:36 What Her Mom Taught Her About Standing Your Ground 22:04 Dealing With Cyberbullying After Dance Moms 26:03 Losing Her Brother and Father and Dancing Through Grief 31:40 Seeing Real Change in Diversity in Professional Dance 43:44 How to Address Racism in the Dance World 51:03 Best Memories From Dance Moms 56:59 What Dance Means to Nicaya Wiley 1:00:10 Favorite Dancer, Choreographer, Style, and Dance Movie Connect with Nicaya Wiley: Follow Nicaya on Instagram Connect with John Corella: Follow Dance Dad with John Corella on Instagram Follow John on Instagram Join Dance Dad with John Corella on Patreon Visit John Corella's website Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm
Norwegian Cruise Line has canceled Norwegian Sky's 21-day farewell repositioning voyage from Piraeus to Dubai, citing ongoing uncertainty in the Middle East, and is offering full fare refunds plus a future cruise credit raised to 50 percent of the voyage fare, valid through December 31, 2027, before the ship transfers to Cordelia Cruises as Cordelia Sky. Port Tampa Bay has started site work on its fourth cruise terminal, a five-acre project at the former Metroport site on the Ybor Channel that is scheduled to open in 2029 and is expected to add more than 200 ship calls a year and roughly $100 million in annual economic impact, though no cruise lines or ships have been named for it yet. And in Australia, the newly launched Australian Paddock to Port Alliance warns that rising costs threaten a cruise sector worth more than A$7.3 billion a year and supporting over 22,000 jobs.
Ancient ruins, medieval cities, iconic blue domes, and an unforgettable overnight stay in Istanbul—Part 2 of our Norwegian Viva Mediterranean cruise might have been the highlight of the entire trip. Join us as we share our favorite ports, excursions, and travel tips from the second half of our 10-night adventure. Episode Summary This week on Rope Drop On Deck, Doug and Michelle wrap up their 10-night Norwegian Viva Mediterranean cruise trip report by diving into the second half of the itinerary. From walking the remarkably preserved streets of Ephesus in Turkey to wandering the medieval Old Town of Rhodes, chasing the famous blue domes of Santorini, and spending an unforgettable overnight in Istanbul, this episode is packed with destination highlights, excursion reviews, and practical planning tips. If you're considering a Mediterranean cruise on Norwegian Cruise Line—or any cruise line sailing this region—these ports deserve a spot on your bucket list. In This Episode
Today on Cruise News: Cordelia Cruises plans eight seven-night Chennai to Singapore sailings aboard Cordelia Sky between late June and late August 2027, calling at Langkawi and Port Klang in Malaysia with an overnight in Phuket, while Norwegian Cruise Line reworks the ship's farewell voyage into an 18-day cruise ending in Muscat, Oman on September 27, 2026, dropping Dubai and Doha and offering guests a 15 percent prorated refund plus a 15 percent future cruise credit. Margaritaville at Sea brings Halloween back to Paradise and Islander from September 15 through November 1, 2026, adding an interactive Ghostly Game Show, a Halloween bar crawl and themed guest entertainers alongside returning favorites such as the Spooktacular Murder Mystery Game Show and the Trick-or-Treat Trail. And Viking details an 80-voyage 2028-29 ocean program calling at 301 ports across 84 countries, with new Alaska, Mediterranean and Japan itineraries aboard Viking Orion, Viking Venus and Viking Neptune.
In the 304th episode of The Main Street Electrical Podcast, Jenn & Dave have returned from a busy week away - they and the Upon a Star Team spent a day or two in Fort Lauderdale and then a 3 night sailing on the Norwegian Cruise Line Getaway! First up, Jenn and Brady just returned from a night or two from WDW, while Dave spent the afternoon in the parks running around, and is getting ready for the upcoming trip with his kid. Next, a look at Norwegian Cruise Lines - sailing on the Getaway, out of Miami, they take a look at the great - the internet, Fleetwood Mac - and the good - Stirrup Cay, Ice Bar - and the not as good - lack of daily entertainment, the obnoxious atrium, the onboarding - and the downright terrible - the service charges! UGH! A full review of the ship and what to expect when sailing Norwegian!
Wildfires are forcing tourist evacuations across France and Spain with officials warning the risk is spreading, Norwegian Cruise Line's CEO admits the company's problems are mostly self-inflicted, and Lufthansa and Air France-KLM are competing for Portugal's national airline with two very different approaches. On today's Skift Daily Briefing, Sarah Dandashy breaks down what the latest European wildfire disruptions mean for summer travel plans and why this is becoming the new normal, why Norwegian Cruise Line's unusually candid CEO diagnosis is either reassuring or alarming depending on how you read it, and why the TAP Air Portugal bidding war is really about who controls the gateway between Europe and Latin America. Articles Referenced: Honorable Mention: @AskAConcierge on IGEurope Fires Impact Tourism: France and SpainNorwegian Cruise Line CEO Cites Self-Inflicted Problems, Weak Outlook Into 2027Two Bids for TAP Air Portugal, Two Very Different Charm Offensives Connect with Skift LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/skift/ WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaAL375LikgIXmNPYQ0L/ Facebook: https://facebook.com/skiftnews Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/skiftnews/ Threads: https://www.threads.net/@skiftnews Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/skiftnews.bsky.social X: https://twitter.com/skift Subscribe to @SkiftNews and never miss an update from the travel industry.
Today, we're joined by the Norwegian Cruise Line team to discuss freestyle cruising with NCL - their flexible holiday concept letting you shape your schedule from morning to midnight, featuring no fixed dining times, no mandatory formal nights and a relaxed, resort-casual dress code.
Was our first 10-night cruise on the Norwegian Viva everything we hoped it would be?
It's true. Joey Corona was the only guy to ever bench Michael Jordon. Joey was in charge of booking Norwegian Cruise Lines with the top, premier American Athletes. The athletes would come on board to be interviewed and share their stories with the guests. Michael Jordon had just finished his rookie year with the Chicago Bulls and he and teammate Rod Higgins joined the SS Norway. Joey tells the very funny story how he benched Michael and their friendship that developed for years. That fellowship developed on the golf course as Michel never beat Joey in a round of golf. The picture is with Rod Higgins on the left, Joey with the microphone, and Michael Jordon on the right.
Thinking about sailing Norwegian Jade? This week, Doug sits down with listener Ben to review an eight-day Pacific Coastal cruise from San Diego to Vancouver. They discuss the ship's interior staterooms, specialty dining, entertainment, thermal spa, public spaces, ports of call, and whether Norwegian's Free at Sea Plus package delivered good value. Ben also shares tips for sailing Norwegian Jade after its recent refurbishment, along with advice for anyone considering a Pacific Coastal repositioning cruise. Before the review, staff writer Richard Simms covers the week's biggest cruise headlines, including: Regal Princess crew member overboard incident Holland America reveals more details about its fleetwide Evolution refurbishment program Royal Caribbean linked to Galveston's proposed fifth cruise terminal Port Canaveral moving forward with a $175 million expansion Virgin Voyages passenger removed after an alleged drug-related arrest in Greece Royal Caribbean extends the suspension of Labadee calls into 2027 Share your thoughts: doug@cruiseradio.net Sponsor Cruise line protection is designed to help if you can't take your cruise. Third-party travel insurance helps protect you during the trip. Including medical care, delays, and unexpected issues. Compare plans and save up to 30% at TripInsurance.com. About Cruise Radio: Cruise Radio has been delivering cruise news, ship reviews, and money-saving tips weekly since 2009.
Send us Fan MailHello, passionate cruisers! This is Paul. I am delighted to welcome this week on The Joy of Cruising Podcast, Comedian Jeff Nease. Listeners know that in addition to my passion for cruising, I am passionate about music and stand-up comedy. Accordingly, on The Joy of Cruising Podcast I love hosting performers from cruise ships, and Jeff has headlined on virtually every major cruise line, so I am excited to have a conversation with him. ‘Hilarious!' (Entertainment Today Magazine), “A high energy performer able to generate BIG laughs!” (Las Vegas Review Journal) and The Detroit Free Press simply declares “Jeff Nease makes us laugh!”. Observational, Conversational and often, Standing Ovational, Jeff Nease is there whenever ‘You Need Funny!' Jeff began his career in 1987. The performing ‘bug' bit while studying film and theater at the University of Toledo. Propelled by his love of the comedy albums of George Carlin, Steve Martin, Bill Cosby and Bob Newhart, it wasn't long before he found himself stepping on the stage of the local comedy venue ‘The Toledo Comedy Club'. He began to hone his craft anywhere he could find an audience: nightclubs, rock bars, colleges and lounges in and around his hometown in Northwest Ohio and Detroit, Michigan. Jeff applied his theater training as a founding member of the improvisational group ‘The Improvables'. This experience helped form the spontaneous element his show is known for. Jeff soon began touring comedy clubs and theaters in both the United States and Canada. New York to L.A., Vancouver to Nova Scotia. He became a finalist in the National Lampoon Laugh-Off, was seen on Television (A&E, PBS and Comedy Central) and opened up concerts for musical icons The Temptations and jazz great Najee. He also opened up for comedy stars Jim Carrey, Tim Allen and Ellen DeGeneres. Jeff also ventured out to sea. Today Jeff is currently one of the most sought-after comedians for the world's most popular cruise lines such as Royal Caribbean. He has performed around the world on vessels for Azamara, Celebrity Cruises, Cunard, Crystal Cruises, Holland America, Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania Cruise Line, Regent Cruise Line, among others. Las Vegas became home for 14 years. Jeff performed at such iconic venues as The Riviera, MGM Grand, Tropicana, the Stardust, Rio and more. In addition to his nightclub work, Jeff performed for many of the various conventions and special events such as NAB (National Association of Broadcasters), COMDEX and CES (The Consumer Electronics Show). His corporate clients include Allstate, Taco Bell, The Royal Bank of Canada, USANA and Cannon. He is exceptionally proud to be accepted on the roster of performers for the USO. Today Jeff tours continually around the world. His greatest pride come from his three sons Jeffrey Jr., Patrick and Theodore.Do you have a dream car? Support the showSupport thejoyofcruisingpodcast https://www.buzzsprout.com/2113608/supporters/newSupport Me https://www.buymeacoffee.com/drpaulthContact Me https://www.thejoyofcruising.net/contact-me.htmlBook Cruises http://www.thejoyofvacation.com/US Orders (coupon code joyofcruisingpodcast)The Joy of Cruising https://bit.ly/TheJoyOfCruisingCruising Interrupted https://bit.ly/CruisingInterruptedThe Joy of Cruising Again https://bit.ly/TheJoyOfCruisingAgainIntl Orders via Amazon
Norwegian Cruise Line opens the show with a 50% discount on 2026 summer fares across 15 homeports, pairing Kids Sail Free with its Free at Sea package and pointing families toward Great Stirrup Cay, where the new Great Tides Waterpark opens September 4. We then turn to the MS Hondius, where Oceanwide Expeditions says its crew has completed quarantine following a hantavirus outbreak that produced 12 confirmed cases and three deaths on an Antarctic expedition; the vessel has since been cleared and returned to service. Finally, Norwegian Star moves its November 12, 2027 departure from Lisbon to Tarragona, Spain, swapping a Canary Islands and Morocco itinerary for a nine-night Mediterranean sailing that ends in Barcelona.
As Carnival cements its success by going public, founder Ted Arison and his son and CEO Micky set their sights on growing the company through acquisition. They make long-time rival Royal Caribbean their target. But with a new ambitious executive at the helm, Royal Caribbean isn't going down without a fight. Norwegian Cruise Line struggles to keep up with the competition.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Today's Cruise News covers three stories from across the industry. Norwegian Cruise Line's Norwegian Sun has dropped four Baltic ports — Nynäshamn/Stockholm, Klaipeda, Gdynia/Gdansk, and Kiel — from its June 24, 2026 sailing after propulsion issues limited the ship to 11 knots, with affected guests offered a $100 onboard credit per stateroom, a 25% future cruise credit, and a 25% fare refund. Ambassador Cruise Line has cut deposits to £99 per person on its 2026-27 fly-Caribbean program aboard Renaissance, featuring 14-night round-trips from Bridgetown, Barbados with Virgin Atlantic charter flights from London Heathrow and Manchester. And Hurtigruten's MS Vesteralen has returned to the classic Bergen–Kirkenes Coastal Express after a heritage-led refit that renovated 100 cabins and added new Arctic Superior cabins and Mini Suites. Visit CruiseNews.io for the full stories and to sign up for free email alerts.
After his bitter exit from Norwegian Cruise Line, Ted Arison has limited time to make his new company Carnival a success. With little funds and one run-down ship, the odds are stacked against him. Meanwhile, Norwegian Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean compete to be the most luxurious cruise ship company on the market. And all three get an unexpected boost from Hollywood.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
In 1950, an enterprising Miami businessman has the idea to use a passenger liner to ferry retired Floridians to the Caribbean. He makes their time on board the ship as much a part of the appeal as the destination. Modern cruising is born, but it's still just a small niche activity.But in the 1960s, a group of ambitious men in both the United States and Europe sees huge potential in this form of vacation travel. Within six years Norwegian Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean, and Carnival are all founded. They spend the next 60 years battling to be the biggest and best cruise line in the world. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Today's brief covers three stories shaping the cruise calendar. Fincantieri has delivered the LNG-ready Mein Schiff Flow, the ninth ship for TUI Cruises, from its Monfalcone yard, a roughly 160,000-gross-ton vessel carrying 3,984 guests, with a christening set for Trieste and a Mediterranean program based out of Palma de Mallorca. Norwegian Sun opens its 2026 Northern Europe season on seven-to-ten-night sailings between Copenhagen and Helsinki, one of its last seasons with Norwegian Cruise Line before the ship transfers to India-based Cordelia Cruises in 2027 to become Cordelia Sun. And Aroya, the only ship operated by Cruise Saudi, will screen 2026 FIFA World Cup matches across its seven-night Eastern Mediterranean cruises from Istanbul, with fan zones and themed activities on board through mid-September.
A review of Norwegian Luna. We cover recent cruise news, including the Anna Kepner murder case aboard Carnival Horizon, a video voyeurism arrest on Royal Caribbean's Allure of the Seas, a brawl at Nassau Cruise Pier, a $1.9 billion lawsuit against MSC Cruises, and new dining announcements from Carnival and Holland America. Tony shares a detailed review of his seven-night family cruise aboard Norwegian Cruise Line's brand-new Prima class ship, the Norwegian Luna, highlighting dining, entertainment, ports of call, including a stop at the newly renovated Great Stirrup Cay, and gives us his overall impressions. Sponsor Cruise line protection is designed to help if you can't take your cruise. Third-party travel insurance helps protect you during the trip. Including medical care, delays, and unexpected issues. Compare plans and save up to 30% at TripInsurance.com. About Cruise Radio: Cruise Radio has been delivering cruise news, ship reviews, and money-saving tips weekly since 2009.
Learn how to take your business to the next level with one simple question: "Who would you like to go on this trip with you?" Join InteleTravel's very own experts, Bethany Grant (VP, Sales & Advisor Engagement) and Brian Holmberg (VP, Industry Relations) to hear how to build your business with referrals. Plus, stay tuned for details about Norwegian Cruise Line's referral booking contest!
Planning an Alaska cruise? Before you pack your bags, make sure you know these essential do's and don'ts!
Send us Fan MailHello, passionate cruisers! This is Paul and this week on The Joy of Cruising Podcast I am delighted to welcome Wayne and Charlotte Carter, first guests I have hosted who can share with guests all about Norwegian Cruise Lines new flagship, NCL Luna. They had a wonderful itinerary: Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic; St. Thomas, Virgin Islands; Tortola, British Virgin Islands; and, Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas, NCL's private island. I have had guests on to talk about the previous ships in NCL's boutique hotel-inspired Prima class—Prima, Viva, and Aqua—and even had house performers from Viva on the podcast, David & Stephanie: New Contract, Performing on the World's Greatest New Ship, NCL Viva Episode 42 Luna is a brand new entrant to mainstream cruise ships, and I didn't have to go far to find passionate cruisers who could introduce Luna to the cruising community; they were right in my own back yard! You see Wayne and Charlotte are neighbors in the community south of Richmond we moved into in November—some of you may recall me referencing our relocation. We knew them long before the move, as we'll mention. It's always good to welcome to The Joy of Cruising Podcast guest we know personally! Listeners, let's get to know Wayne and Charlotte and hear about NCL Luna.Do you have a dream car? Support the showSupport thejoyofcruisingpodcast https://www.buzzsprout.com/2113608/supporters/newSupport Me https://www.buymeacoffee.com/drpaulthContact Me https://www.thejoyofcruising.net/contact-me.htmlBook Cruises http://www.thejoyofvacation.com/US Orders (coupon code joyofcruisingpodcast)The Joy of Cruising https://bit.ly/TheJoyOfCruisingCruising Interrupted https://bit.ly/CruisingInterruptedThe Joy of Cruising Again https://bit.ly/TheJoyOfCruisingAgainIntl Orders via Amazon
This week on Rope Drop On Deck, Doug and Michelle pull back the curtain on their next cruise adventure: a 10-night sailing aboard the Norwegian Viva. Why Norwegian? Why the Viva? And why a 10-night itinerary instead of a shorter cruise? We break down the decision-making process, what ultimately convinced us to book, and the experiences we're looking forward to most. From dining and entertainment to the itinerary and unique features onboard, we're discussing what caught our attention and what we're hoping to learn as we branch out and try something new. Whether you're considering Norwegian Cruise Line for the first time or you're simply curious about the Viva, this episode is a fun look at how experienced cruisers choose their next vacation. In This Episode
Six months into the year, Trade Secrets co-hosts Emma Weissmann and Jamie Biesiada look at the trends dominating 2026 so far, including shorter booking windows, a younger demographic for all-inclusives and the state of domestic travel. Plus, the hosts share a sneak peek at what’s in store for the rest of season seven. This episode was sponsored by Brendan Vacations. Further resources The Travel Weekly team Articles mentioned in this episode: Travel Weekly’s top stories in the last six months: Updated: U.S. issues an alert urging caution worldwide for American travelers Mexico updates: Embassy says cities ‘returned to normal;’ advisors help clients Norwegian Cruise Line eliminates NCFs, with no strings attached U.S. considers revised approach to social media screening of foreign travelers Advisors predict Egypt tourism will suffer due to mixed messages on safety From Travel Weekly, Global unrest is now clients’ No. 1 concern, travel advisors say From TravelAge West, Five forces affecting travel choices — including more trust in AI bookings From Travel Weekly, Travel agencies report a tale of two booking patterns Need advice? Call our hotline and leave a message: 201-902-2098 Email us: tradesecrets@travelweekly.com Theme song: Sock Hop by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4387-sock-hop License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
A review of Norwegian Gem on a five night Bahamas cruise from Jacksonville, Florida. Staff writer Richard has cruise news. Sponsor Cruise line protection is designed to help if you can't take your cruise. Third-party travel insurance helps protect you during the trip. Including medical care, delays, and unexpected issues. Compare plans and save up to 30% at TripInsurance.com. About Cruise Radio: Cruise Radio has been delivering cruise news, ship reviews, and money-saving tips weekly since 2009.
Episode 152In this episode of Cruise Conversations, we're joined by our friend Jeremy for his first appearance on the podcast as he breaks down his recent cruise aboard the Norwegian Getaway.Jeremy shares what it was like sailing with Norwegian Cruise Line, from his first impressions of the ship and onboard atmosphere to the dining, entertainment, and overall experience compared to other cruises he's taken. We also dive into the itinerary, favorite moments from the trip, and some of the things that stood out most about sailing on the Getaway.Ready to book a cruise with Cruise Conversations?Fill out our form or send us a text at (704) 313-8556 for latest pricing!Check out our website: https://www.cruiseconversationspodcast.comUse our code "CC15" for 15% off your order at The Cruise MapsInterested in coming on a future episode and recapping your cruise? Fill out the following form: https://form.jotform.com/252443162720146Have a question or topic suggestions for a future episode? DM us on Instagram @CruiseConversations or send us an email at cruiseconversations@gmail.com.Follow along on social media!FacebookInstagramTik Tok
This week we cover major cruise industry news, including Carnival's pricing error controversy, an assault incident aboard Carnival Spirit, hantavirus and norovirus outbreaks affecting multiple ships, a tragic mobility scooter accident at Celebration Key, and Disney Adventure's abrupt canceled sailing in Singapore. We also talk to Tony who took a seven-night Western Caribbean cruise from Tampa, and his first solo cruise. He talks about this port days in Cozumel and Harvest Caye, specialty dining, entertainment, and how trip insurance saved him when his flight was canceled due to a winter storm in the Northeast. Sponsor Cruise line protection is designed to help if you can't take your cruise. Third-party travel insurance helps protect you during the trip. Including medical care, delays, and unexpected issues. Compare plans and save up to 30% at TripInsurance.com. About Cruise Radio: Cruise Radio has been delivering cruise news, ship reviews, and money-saving tips weekly since 2009.
In this episode of Cruise Radio, host Doug Parker and staff writer Richard Simms cover major cruise industry news, including Carnival's loyalty program overhaul, a passenger assault aboard the Carnival Sunrise, a hantavirus outbreak on the MV Hondius, and Norwegian Cruise Line's gratuity increases. They also discuss Alaska's record cruise season and Holland America's ship refurbishment. Guest Jen then shares her firsthand review of the MSC Grandiosa in the Mediterranean, covering embarkation, dining, entertainment, and ports including Tunisia, Sicily, and Marseille, offering practical tips for travelers considering a European cruise experience. Sponsor Cruise line protection is designed to help if you can't take your cruise. Third-party travel insurance helps protect you during the trip. Including medical care, delays, and unexpected issues. Compare plans and save up to 30% at TripInsurance.com. About Cruise Radio: Cruise Radio has been delivering cruise news, ship reviews, and money-saving tips weekly since 2009.
In this episode of Cruise Radio, guest Amy shares an in-depth review of her seven-night Eastern Caribbean cruise aboard Norwegian Aqua. She discusses her travel logistics, ship impressions, dining experiences, casino adventures, and time spent in exclusive areas like Vibe Beach Club. Amy also details port visits to St. Thomas, Tortola, and Great Stirrup Cay, offering practical tips and honest feedback on excursions and amenities. Sponsor Cruise line protection is designed to help if you can't take your cruise. Third-party travel insurance helps protect you during the trip. Including medical care, delays, and unexpected issues. Compare plans and save up to 30% at TripInsurance.com. About Cruise Radio: Cruise Radio has been delivering cruise news, ship reviews, and money-saving tips weekly since 2009.
A review of Royal Caribbean's Liberty of the Seas. Staff writer Richard Simms cover major cruise industry news, including Carnival's $300,000 negligence verdict for over-serving alcohol, Norwegian Cruise Line's $2 million COVID-era settlement, and a tragic murder aboard Carnival Horizon. Updates include MSC Cruises raising gratuities and Holland America's $500 million fleet refurbishment featuring solo cabins. Guest Rob reviews Royal Caribbean's Liberty of the Seas on a nine-night Canada and New England itinerary, highlighting excellent dining, impressive entertainment, and memorable port calls in Boston, Sydney, Halifax, and Saint John. Sponsor Cruise line protection is designed to help if you can't take your cruise. Third-party travel insurance helps protect you during the trip. Including medical care, delays, and unexpected issues. Compare plans and save up to 30% at TripInsurance.com. About Cruise Radio: Cruise Radio has been delivering cruise news, ship reviews, and money-saving tips weekly since 2009.
PCE and inflation trends – single day concern Earnings Season – Goldman, JPM Eco Reports of historic proportion Feds looking at Private Credit holdings at banks PLUS we are now on Spotify and Amazon Music/Podcasts! Click HERE for Show Notes and Links DHUnplugged is now streaming live - with listener chat. Click on link on the right sidebar. Love the Show? Then how about a Donation? Follow John C. Dvorak on Twitter Follow Andrew Horowitz on Twitter Warm-Up - Walking back - Waffling and Extensions --- Blockade - not really - Market Immunity - Jesus.ai - Reading Retreats (The New Silent Disco?) Markets - PCE and inflation trends - single day concern - PPI revised - Earnings Season - Goldman, JPM - Historic Eco Report - Feds looking at Private Credit holdings at banks CONGRATS RORY! - back-to-Back Masters Champ - Over $250M in tour winnings Market Update - Great week for markets as Operation obliteration is postponed - - Weekend concerns and opening in the RED Monday as we get clarification - Markets somewhat immune? Looking past? - FWIW: Not much is moving thought the Straight....But who cares! ----- Markets made back all of the losses from the War! Nothing to worry about... Historic! - As of this month, we have officially hit a new historical floor. - The preliminary University of Michigan Consumer Sentiment reading for April 2026 came in at 47.6, which is the lowest recorded value in the survey's 70-plus-year history. Consumer Sentiment Fed Looking - The Federal Reserve is asking major US banks for details about their exposure to private credit due to a surge in redemptions and a rise in troubled loans in the industry. - The Fed's queries are intended to assess the level of stress in the private credit industry and the potential for it to spill over to the wider financial system. - The Treasury Department is also questioning the insurance industry about exposures to private credit, as part of a broader regulatory push to get a handle on the scale of the strains in the $1.8 trillion private credit industry. ECO - PPI - PPI: Rose 0.5% month-over-month in March, well below the 1.2% consensus expectation - Follows a downwardly revised 0.5% increase in February (from 0.7%) Core PPI (excluding food and energy): - Increased 0.1% in March, below the 0.4% consensus expectation - Follows a downwardly revised 0.3% increase in February (from 0.5%) --- Market talk: -- - Final demand services were unchanged, giving markets room to look through the energy-driven spike as likely temporary Meanwhile... - Dow Inc. and Exxon Mobil Corp. are among the companies boosting prices for plastics as the sector grapples with supply shocks from the US-Israeli war on Iran. - The company said Monday that it will raise prices for North American buyers of polyethylene resins — common plastics found in packaging, films and containers — through at least May, according to a document viewed by Bloomberg. - That increase includes a 30-cent-per-pound boost for April and plans for another 20-cent-per-pound hike next month, according to the notice. Blockade - President Donald Trump said the US will begin a full naval blockade of the Strait of Hormuz and threatened to retaliate in the event of Iranian resistance. -The US and Iran failed to reach a deal in direct talks in Pakistan due to differences over the nuclear issue, according to Trump. --- At first, it was a FULL blockade - then another walk-back (or is this just politics vs reality?) - The blockade will be enforced impartially against vessels of all nations entering or departing Iranian ports and coastal areas, according to US Central Command. Goldman Earnings - Reports Q1 (Mar) earnings of $17.55 per share, $1.08 better than the FactSet Consensus of $16.47; revenues rose 14.4% year/year to $17.23 bln vs the $16.99 bln FactSet Consensus. - Net revenues in Fixed Income, Currency and Commodities were $4.01 billion, 10% lower than the first quarter of 2025, reflecting lower net revenues in FICC intermediation, due to significantly lower net revenues in interest rate products and mortgages and lower net revenues in credit products, partially offset by significantly higher net revenues in commodities and currencies. - Provisions for the first quarter of 2025 primarily reflected net provisions related to the credit card portfolio, which was transferred to held for sale in the fourth quarter of 2025. --- Goldman is cleaning up and selling off some of the credit card portfolio (Apple Card) ---- We discussed that analysts had been raising guidance for companies into the print. GS rallied 16% since March - so maybe just sell-the-news event Stocks: Earnings - Goldman Sachs downgraded Best Buy to a sell, and the stock dropped about 4% on the news. --- Goldman's view is that while Best Buy should get a short?term boost in the first quarter—helped by people pulling forward PC purchases and getting bigger tax refunds—that strength may not last. --------According to the analysts, once higher memory costs start working their way into laptop and computer prices, sales could come under pressure after Q1. Blackrock Call - Asset management giant BlackRock has raised its outlook for U.S. stocks, reasoning that contained impacts from the Iran war and strong corporate earnings will create a favorable backdrop. - With earnings season just getting underway, S&P 500 companies are expected to post a collective 12.6% profit increase for the first quarter. - But do we care what Blackrock says? Long only shop with $14T in ETFs Stocks: Monday/Tuesday -----Cruise line stocks were under pressure as higher energy costs and renewed concerns about demand came back into focus. Carnival dropped about 4%, Norwegian Cruise Line was down roughly 3%, and Royal Caribbean slid more than 2%. -----Airlines moved lower for similar reasons. Rising jet fuel prices and softer demand expectations weighed on the group, with United Airlines falling more than 2.5%, while Southwest and Delta both declined around 2%. --Tuesday - Follow through getting us at/above pre-war levels Stocks: Mattress Consolidation: - Leggett & Platt jumped about 9% after announcing it will be acquired by Somnigroup International, a bedding manufacturer. The deal is an all-stock transaction valued at roughly $2.5 billion, and it's expected to close by the end of 2026. ----Mattress Monopoly Now? Adding to - Tempur Sealy, Mattress Firm, Dreams Stocks - Upgrades - Toll Brothers, Pultegroup — Shares of both stocks rose more than 1% after Evercore ISI upgraded the two homebuilders to outperform. - - The investment firm said it's time to buy the dip in the companies, believing the bad news is already priced in and that both Toll Brothers and Pultegroup could manage macroeconomic headwinds better than some of their peers. Pope Leo - WEAK on crime and terrible for Foreign Policy say President Trump -- Is the Pope involved in criminal / police issues ? Jesus Update - Aside from the Jesus imagery with Trump as Jesus this weekend (Trust social post - then deleted) - At $1.99 per minute, the tech company Just Like Me is taking that concept to talk to Jesus to a new level. -----Users of the platform can join video calls with an avatar of Jesus generated by artificial intelligence. ------- Like other religious AI tools on the market, it offers words of prayer and encouragement in various languages. ----------With the occasional glitch, it remembers previous conversations and speaks through not-quite-synced lips. Reading Retreats - What it is: Paid reading retreats where people travel to quiet, upscale settings to read their own books—mostly in silence—alongside strangers. - The price: Typically $1,000+ for a long weekend, often selling out months in advance. - Why it works: People are burned out by screens and distractions and are paying for structure, silence, and protected time to focus. - Social without pressure: It offers light community—being alone together—without forced conversation or networking. - Cultural tailwinds: Fueled by BookTok, wellness travel, and nostalgia for slower, analog experiences, turning reading into a premium lifestyle activity. Of Interest - Delta Air Lines said Wednesday it will “meaningfully reduce” its capacity growth plans in the near term. AFTER BULLISH COMMENTS DAYS EARLIER - Delta joined United and JetBlue in hiking its checked bag fees this week as jet fuel costs surge. PRICE WILL NEVER COME DOWN - Delta said its fuel bill will be $2 billion higher this quarter because of the spike in costs. - The carrier also reported first-quarter earnings that beat analysts' expectations. BY THE WAY>>>>> JAYNA - AKA China - China's factory?gate prices rose 0.5%, the first increase in more than three years. - Consumer prices increased 1% year over year in March, falling short of economists' expectations. - Gasoline prices jumped 11.1% from the prior month, even as Beijing tried to limit fuel price increases. - Economists warn the spike in input costs could lead to “bad inflation,” putting added pressure on manufacturers that are already operating with thin margins. Health Breakthrough - Revolution Medicines said its pancreatic cancer drug daraxonrasib succeeded in a Phase 3 trial. - RevMed said its drug almost doubled the typical length of survival and slashed the risk of death by 60% versus chemotherapy. - The company said it will soon seek FDA approval using a Commissioner's National Priority Voucher, which grants a quicker review. - It is a small?molecule oral oncology drug, taken as a daily pill, not chemotherapy or immunotherapy. - Stock up nicely on the news... China PPI - China's factory-gate prices rose for the first time in more than three years while consumer inflation moderated in March, amid a surge in oil prices as the Iran war upended global energy markets. - The producer price index grew 0.5% from a year earlier, the first growth since September 2022, ending the longest deflationary streak in decades. For the first quarter, the PPI fell 0.6% year on year. China PPI and CPI Intel - Intel's stock had a ninth straight winning day on Monday, up 58% over that stretch. - Shares of the semiconductor company are soaring after a series of announcements and major partnerships with Google and Elon Musk. - CPUs are seeing a resurgence as agentic artificial intelligence continues to gain traction. Love the Show? Then how about a Donation? THE CLOSEST TO THE PIN for NETGEAR Winners will be getting great stuff like the new "OFFICIAL" DHUnplugged Shirt! FED AND CRYPTO LIMERICKS See this week's stock picks HERE Follow John C. Dvorak on Twitter Follow Andrew Horowitz on Twitter
Welcome to another completely stable and professionally executed daily comedy show… where one host is preparing for a cruise that may or may not include hostage negotiations, another is heading to Vegas to sit on a radio panel titled “Reports of Our Death Are Greatly Exaggerated” (which feels aggressive), and the rest of us are arguing about hockey and stuffed monkeys.Rafe is setting sail toward Mexico during what the news is lovingly describing as “a tense time,” and naturally we handle it with firearms training jokes, cartel commentary, and Norwegian Cruise Line optimism. Meanwhile, Rizz is headed to Vegas for a radio conference panel alongside a guy flying his own private plane. Rizz? Row 20 on Southwest. Celebrity row, obviously. Fremont-adjacent accommodations. Lifts packed. Confidence medium.We also spiral into Vegas buffet strategy like it's a military operation. Crab legs first. No bread. Absolutely no French toast. If you leave feeling fine, you did it wrong. That's the rule.Back in STL, Moon lived his best cultured life at Phantom of the Opera at The Fabulous Fox Theatre (tears were shed, nuts were purchased), then followed it up with a suite-level experience at a St. Louis City SC match where apparently the buffet alone deserves its own documentary. Meanwhile, Rizz is still emotionally recovering from Canada being “butthurt” about losing Olympic hockey in overtime. Scoreboard is the judge. That's how sports work.We also check in on Punch the abandoned baby monkey who went viral hugging his IKEA orangutan, debate whether AI is the future or the apocalypse, invent a game show called House of Steve, and confirm that yes, Vegas is expensive now and no, the $4.99 steak days are gone forever.This daily comedy show somehow covers cruise chaos, Olympic gold, Broadway tears, casino buffets, monkey redemption arcs, and trivia-night costume strategy in one episode. It's chaotic. It's unnecessary. It's exactly what you signed up for.If you like funny stories, pop culture commentary, sports meltdowns, entertainment gossip, and sarcastic humor from a funny morning show in St. Louis, congratulations — you've found your new favorite daily comedy show.Follow The Rizzuto Show → linktr.ee/rizzshow for more from your favorite daily comedy show.Connect with The Rizzuto Show Comedy Podcast online → 1057thepoint.com/RizzShow.Hear The Rizz Show daily on the radio at 105.7 The Point | Hubbard Radio in St. Louis, MO.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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