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This week, we have Jeremy back on the podcast! He just wrapped up his 30th cruise (7th of the year!) and sailed a Southern Caribbean itinerary from San Juan, Puerto Rico! Hear him talk about many of these cool stops, including St. Lucia, Dominica, and Barbados, as well as his experience sailing on Virgin Voyages! Interested in coming on a future episode and recapping your cruise? Fill out the following form: https://form.jotform.com/252443162720146Check out our new website: https://www.cruiseconversationspodcast.comUse our code "CC15" for 15% off your order at The Cruise MapsReady to book a cruise with Cruise Conversations?Fill out our form or send us a text at (704) 313-8556 for latest pricing!Have 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
Episode Notes A therapist's thoughts on cruise ships as a getaway vacation for couples. Pros and Cons of sailing away together! Stay in Touch Subscribe to My Intimacy Therapist in your podcast app Follow on Instagram @myintimacytherapist
Kelly Green on current trends and an incredible agent incentive starting on Boxing Day
Sent us text! We would love to hear from you!If you ever want to travel the high-seas in comfort, give cruise line Virgin Voyages a try; it's Commander Drew's favorite. Laughter has the power to cleanse the body and mind by engaging positive spirits and removing negative energy that you may be unconsciously carrying inside of you.Future generations of people will probably not believe what life was like before they were born. The high-tech era had its roots in the 1940's with the advent of transistors. By 1990 the introduction of personal computers and software provided to the public, allowed vast knowledge to spread to every sector of modern life. In the future, few people will have any idea that there was a time before computers and instantaneous data transfer. The drudgery of long and laborious mental tasks has become a thing of the past as artificial intelligence has already taken over many tasks previously assigned to human beings.In a bold move, perhaps the first of its kind, the nation of Australia has banned social media access to young people under the age of sixteen in an effort to protect the mental heath of the country's youth. If Carl Busby ever tells you to “walk a mile in my shoes”, you better prepare to be gone for a long time. Meet a wingman who swooped in to rescue of a helpless elder from a life-threatening situation.
Booking a Virgin Voyages cruise comes with perks, but there is also important fine print most people skip! In this episode, we break down the Virgin Voyages fine print, including booking rules, fare restrictions, changes, cancellations, and what actually matters before you book. If you are planning a Virgin Voyages cruise, this episode will help you avoid surprises and book with confidence!Join us for Girls Gone Cruisin' 2026! Click here: https://fabulousadventurestravel.com/girls-gone-crusin/Shop Virgin Voyages essentials! Click hereReady to Sail? Get a deal here!Join my Facebook Group:https://www.facebook.com/groups/virginvoyagestipsanddealsFollow me on Social Media:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FabulousAdventurestravelcompanyInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/samanthastravels
The Golden Crew is down to its core trio this week — Trevor, Tom, and Jenn — and we're officially looking ahead.
MVP Tom Arbuthnot shares all the latest Microsoft Teams and Copilot news and announcements in less than 15 minutes for December 2025.Many thanks to AudioCodes for their continued support.PowerPoint DeckAnthropic models on by default in Microsoft 365 CopilotGPT-5.2 in Microsoft 365 CopilotMicrosoft Copilot RoadmapAgentic AI FoundationMicrosoft Planner Major Update in 2026Express Voice Enrollment in Microsoft TeamsTeams Meeting Recap and Recording APIsTeams Devices UpdateTeams RoadmapEventsBriefingsAll the Microsoft Ignite 2025 announcements in 24 minutes - Microsoft MVP Rolf Tröndle gives a comprehensive walkthrough of the news from Microsoft Ignite 2025AI Voice Agents with Azure Communication Services - Sean Keegan, Developer Evangelist for Azure Communication Services at MicrosoftMicrosoft 365 Copilot Agents, Features and Control - Deep Dive with Rolf Tröndle - Rolf Tröndle walks through what's new with Microsoft 365 Copilot.Contact Center Options for Microsoft Teams - Native vs Connect vs Extend vs Unify - Alistair Pidd, Professional Services Director, at Pure-IP discusses contact center strategies for Microsoft TeamsTeams Insider PodcastsCopilot and Agent Adoption in the Big Four Professional Services Firms with Mo Kahlifa, Workforce AI Specialist at MicrosoftFrom PBX to Microsoft Teams and Voca Contact Centre at the Chartered Institute of Housing with Richard Sewell, IT ManagerWorking from Sea: Virgin Voyages Transforms Remote Work with Nirmal Saverimuttu, CEO, at Virgin Voyages, and Michael Levy, CEO, at NumonixWhat Cisco Rooms bring to Microsoft Teams Rooms with Tom Richards, Senior Director, Strategy and Planning at CiscoTelcos Moving Into AI With Microsoft Teams and Copilot With Rick GarciaMicrosoft Teams and AI Powered Workplace, Perspective From Ignite 2025 with Ilya Bukshteyn and Irena Andonova
Une Femme Wines didn't scale the way most wine brands do — and that's exactly why its story matters.What began as the house wine at Jen Pelka's two Champagne bars — The Riddler in San Francisco and New York — has scaled into a national brand selling more than 300,000 cases annually, with wines poured everywhere from Delta Airlines to Marriott, Kimpton, stadiums, cruise lines, and even space.In this episode, Jen breaks down how Une Femme unlocked scale by saying yes to the right opportunities — and then rebuilding the business to support them.The turning point came when a chance meeting led to a Delta Airlines trial that required Une Femme to ramp from 1,500 cases over two years to 6,000 cases in three months, a feat that seemed impossible at the time. But they persevered and that single partnership didn't just change volume — it reshaped the company's format strategy, pushing the brand into cans for sustainability, operational efficiency, and national reach.From there, Une Femme scaled differently than most wine brands: Prioritizing national accounts and high-velocity venues over slow regional rollouts, and focusing relentlessly on freshness, tight SKUs, and operational reliability.
If you have ever booked a Virgin Voyages cruise and thought wait what does that even mean this episode is for you! Virgin Voyages has its own language and whether you are brand new or have already sailed it can feel like everyone else got a handbook you missed. From Sailor Loot and Bar Tab to Sea Terrace Central Sea Terrace Lock It In and other common Virgin Voyages cruise terms we are breaking it all down in plain English.In this episode we walk through the most confusing Virgin Voyages lingo you will see before and after booking what each term actually means how it impacts your cruise and which ones truly matter versus which ones sound confusing but are actually simple! By the end you will feel confident navigating Virgin Voyages cruise terminology like you have done this before even if it is your very first cruise! Join us for Girls Gone Cruisin' 2026! Click here: https://fabulousadventurestravel.com/girls-gone-crusin/Shop Virgin Voyages essentials! Click hereReady to Sail? Get a deal here!Join my Facebook Group:https://www.facebook.com/groups/virginvoyagestipsanddealsFollow me on Social Media:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FabulousAdventurestravelcompanyInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/samanthastravels
Nirmal Saverimuttu, CEO, at Virgin Voyages, and Michael Levy, CEO, at Numonix, discuss how Virgin Voyages is pioneering the work from sea movement with unlimited Wi-Fi and innovative remote work packages.Virgin Voyages' unique approach to crises —boutique hotel experience, no kids, free Wi-Fi, and no nickel-and-dimingHow Richard Branson's vision for free Wi-Fi for crew and passengers enabled the work from sea programmeWorking remotely from the Caribbean using Microsoft Teams with Starlink connectivityHow the shift to remote work post-COVID has made working from anywhere, even sea, a realityFor the full video, watch here.Thanks to Numonix, this episode's sponsor, for their continued support of Empowering.Cloud
We sent the Foodie Guyde on a Virgin Voyages cruise from Miami to Grand Turk for his first cruise ever! In this episode, he gives a full first-time cruiser review of Virgin Voyages, sharing what surprised him, what he loved, and how the food, entertainment, and if overall vibe measured up to the hype! If you're researching Virgin Voyages, comparing cruise lines, or wondering what a first-time cruiser really thinks, this episode breaks it all down!Follow Foodie:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/travelingfoodieguyde/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@travelingfoodieguyde?_t=8qb3xtFqK4E&_r=1Join us for Girls Gone Cruisin' 2026! Click here: https://fabulousadventurestravel.com/girls-gone-crusin/Shop Virgin Voyages essentials! Click hereReady to Sail? Get a deal here!Join my Facebook Group:https://www.facebook.com/groups/virginvoyagestipsanddealsFollow me on Social Media:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FabulousAdventurestravelcompanyInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/samanthastravels
Virgin Voyages Launches 2026 Alaska Season Pass is today's lead story on Friday Travel and Cruise Industry Podcast, December 5, 2025 with Chillie Falls. Also today, Villa Vie Residences Expands; Houston to Rome Nonstop; Holland America Destroys Record; Iona to Arrive Early in Southampton; Meat Loaf Tribute Cruise; Carnival Cruise Line Raises WiFi Prices; and lots more LIVE at 11 AM EST. #fridaytravelandcruiseindustrypodcast #travelandcruiseindustrynews #podcast #cruisenews #travelnews #cruise #travel #chilliescruises #chilliefalls #whill_us Thanks for visiting my channel. NYTimes The Daily, the flagship NYT podcast with a massive audience. "Vacationing In The Time Of Covid" https://nyti.ms/3QuRwOS To access the Travel and Cruise Industry News Podcast; https://cms.megaphone.fm/channel/trav... or go to https://accessadventure.net/ To subscribe: http://bit.ly/chi-fal I appreciate super chats or any other donations to support my channel. For your convenience, please visit: https://paypal.me/chillie9264?locale.... Chillie's Cruise Schedule: https://www.accessadventure.net/chillies-trip-calendar/ For your mobility needs, contact me, Whill.inc/US, at (844) 699-4455 use SRN 11137 or call Scootaround at 1.888.441.7575. Use SRN 11137. YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/ChilliesCruises Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chillie.falls X: https://x.com/ChillieFalls Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In this Midweek Mini, we sit down with U.S. News Senior Travel Editor Nicola Wood to unpack the brand-new 2026 Best Cruise Lines rankings and what they mean for families, value-seekers, and anyone curious about cruising. We talk through how the rankings are actually created, the surprising ways scores and traveler reviews factor in, and why Virgin Voyages continues to dominate the “Best for the Money” category. We share why Virgin's inclusions make it such a standout for points users, how transfer partners can make a cruise nearly free, and the real math behind when it does or doesn't make sense to book a cruise on points. Nicola walks us through the biggest surprises of the year, including a luxury newcomer that suddenly appeared in the top three for the Caribbean, and why Viking took the number-one spot for the Mediterranean thanks to small ships, deep cultural programming, and crowd-free Quiet Season itineraries. We take a closer look at the family rankings too, with Disney once again claiming the top position for its unmatched entertainment and private-island experiences. Whether you're a long-time cruiser or planning your very first sailing, this episode breaks down what really matters when choosing a ship, when deals are best, and how to stretch your travel budget further while actually enjoying the process.US News InstagramUS News and World Report - Cruises30% off the CardPointers subscription!Find Us On OnlineMary Ellen | JoFacebook GroupWonderland On Points BlogAffiliate LinksRakuten- Mary Ellen (Get 5000 AMEX or Bilt POINTS)Rakuten- Joanna (Get 5000 AMEX or Bilt POINTS)Chase/Capital One/Amex Card Links30% off the CardPointers subscription!FlyKitt- the BEST Jet Lag Solution!Tripiamo Driving TutorialsOur Favorite Travel NecessitiesWe receive a small commission when you choose to use any of our links to purchase your products or apply for your cards! We SO appreciate when you choose to give back to the podcast in this way!
In this Cloud Wars Live podcast, Bob Evans sits down with Hayete Gallot, President, Google Cloud Customer Experience, to explore how Google Cloud is helping enterprises move from AI experimentation to true business transformation. Gallot describes how her organization unifies engineering, consulting, partners, and learning to accelerate time-to-value and scale agentic AI across every function. Together, they dive into Gemini Enterprise, customer successes like Virgin Voyages, and why human-centered change is the real key to AI's future.The AI Turning PointThe Big Themes:Customer Experience Built for the AI Era: Google Cloud created a new Customer Experience organization, led by Hayete Gallot, to match the speed and complexity of AI-driven transformation. Instead of treating AI as a pure technology play, the team unifies industry and solutions experts, customer engineers, consulting, partners, and learning into one group that supports the full innovation lifecycle. That means they can help customers go from idea to minimum viable product to production in a consistent, repeatable way.Ecosystem, Partners, and Curated AI Solutions: Google Cloud's ecosystem strategy is central to scaling AI transformation. Gallot describes deep investment in system integrators — not just training them on technology, but sharing methodologies and scenario-based approaches so they can guide customers toward the right AI choices. At the same time, Google Cloud works with top ISVs to embed AI into their solutions and create compatible protocols for multi-agent experiences.Structuring Tech Teams for Agentic Transformation: AI's rise is forcing technology organizations to evolve. Gallot notes that CTOs and CIOs are asking how to restructure their teams for an “agentic” world. The demand is no longer just for deep technical skills, but also people who understand user experience, behavior, and business workflows. Technology teams are increasingly expected to co-design scenarios with business leaders, not just implement requirements. Looking ahead to 2026, Gallot sees the priority as scaling agentic transformation across divisions.The Big Quote: "Customers are much more mature on AI … When you meet with them, they're [asking] what's in it for me? What am I going to get? When am I going to get it? How do I scale this? They want production, and they want outcome." Visit Cloud Wars for more.
Solo Travel Adventures: Safe Travel for Women, Preparing for a Trip, Overcoming Fear, Travel Tips
A first cruise is a crash course in what you value when you travel. From a lively launch in San Juan to five Caribbean ports in seven days, we share the joy of bioluminescent kayaking, the calm of a French-side beach on Saint Martin, and the green, mountainous bliss of Grenada and Dominica. We also get candid about a tougher moment in Saint Lucia, where constant vendor pressure cut a solo city walk short—and how a simple plan with a vetted driver could have changed the day.We dig into the money side most people underestimate. Solo supplements can double a fare, but there are smart workarounds: Virgin Voyages frequently offers better pricing and social programming for singles; Norwegian and select Royal Caribbean ships have limited studio cabins; Silversea reduces single supplements on some sailings. Beyond the sticker price, budget for gratuities, specialty dining, fitness classes, laundry, Wi‑Fi, and excursions—or pick a more inclusive line to avoid the nickel-and-dime feeling. If you're wondering whether to book excursions at every stop, learn from our missteps: sometimes one well-chosen experience or a simple plan with a trusted local driver beats a packed bus and crowded viewpoints.The real key is matching the cruise to who you are. If big crowds drain you, consider smaller ships or river cruises like AmaWaterways. If sand isn't your happy place, look to Alaska or Scandinavia for fjords, hikes, and cooler air. Traveling with a friend? Set expectations upfront—sleep rhythms, alone time, and activity choices—so the cabin is shared but the day can be flexible. We close by looking ahead to Scandinavia as a better fit for our hiking-first style and invite you to think about your own 2026 plans.If this helped you plan smarter, follow the show, share it with a friend who's cruise-curious, and leave a quick review to tell us where you want to sail next.Support the showhttps://www.cherylbeckesch.com hello@cherylbeckesch.com Instagram @solotraveladventures50
Virgin Voyages Honors Joan Templeman, Wife of Richard Branson is the lead story on a busy Friday Travel and Cruise Industry Podcast, November 28, 2025. Also today, American Cruise Passenger Missing in St. Maarten; British Fugitives Ran Bar With Thai Nominees; Japan itineraries, designed around cherry blossoms; Costa Cruises Launches 2025-26 South America Season; Queen Mary 2 Delays and Itinerary Changes; Beach Club Delays; Conquest Propulsion Issues; Carnival Venezia Has a Slight Embarkation Delay; Holland America Line's Macy float; Grandiosa Sails West; Montego Bay Back Open; National parks to launch 'America-first' pricing on Jan. 1; and lots more LIVE at 11 AM EST. #fridaytravelandcruiseindustrypodcast #travelandcruiseindustrynews #podcast #cruisenews #travelnews #cruise #travel #chilliescruises #chilliefalls #whill_us Thanks for visiting my channel. NYTimes The Daily, the flagship NYT podcast with a massive audience. "Vacationing In The Time Of Covid" https://nyti.ms/3QuRwOS To access the Travel and Cruise Industry News Podcast; https://cms.megaphone.fm/channel/trav... or go to https://accessadventure.net/ To subscribe: http://bit.ly/chi-fal I appreciate super chats or any other donations to support my channel. For your convenience, please visit: https://paypal.me/chillie9264?locale.... Chillie's Cruise Schedule: https://www.accessadventure.net/chillies-trip-calendar/ For your mobility needs, contact me, Whill.inc/US, at (844) 699-4455 use SRN 11137 or call Scootaround at 1.888.441.7575. Use SRN 11137. YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/ChilliesCruises Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chillie.falls X: https://x.com/ChillieFalls Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
If you already know Virgin Voyages switched to the new Voyage Fair Choice pricing, this video is your next step. Instead of explaining what changed, we're going through how to pick the right fare based on how you actually cruise and what to avoid so you don't end up frustrated later! A lot of sailors are choosing the cheapest fare because it looks like the best deal… and then realizing too late that things like dining access, flexibility, Wi-Fi, and cabin selection matter more than they thought.This video walks you through:✔ When Base makes sense✔ When Essential is the smarter move✔ When Premium is worth it✔ What most people overlook✔ And the situations where the “upgrade” saves money or stress laterIf you've been staring at Base, Essential, and Premium wondering,“Okay… which one is actually right for me?” this is going to help!Join us for Girls Gone Cruisin' 2026! Click here: https://fabulousadventurestravel.com/girls-gone-crusin/Shop Virgin Voyages essentials! Click hereReady to Sail? Get a deal here!Join my Facebook Group:https://www.facebook.com/groups/virginvoyagestipsanddealsFollow me on Social Media:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FabulousAdventurestravelcompanyInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/samanthastravels
This episode is Part 2 of our Miami MerMaiden recap and now we're getting into the fun stuff. Tortola, sea days, random surprises… all of it! Tortola was such a good day. We did a private catamaran and the water was gorgeous, the views were perfect, and then out of nowhere Richard Branson is literally kite boarding right in front of us. We're also talking about what we did on the sea days and the Kelis performance including Milkshake, of course. In this episode:• Tortola + our private catamaran day• Richard Branson kite boarding like it's totally normal• Sea day plans vs. what we actually did• Kelis performing onboard • Final thoughts That wraps up our MerMaiden experience! Join us for Girls Gone Cruisin' 2026! Click here: https://fabulousadventurestravel.com/girls-gone-crusin/Shop Virgin Voyages essentials! Click hereReady to Sail? Get a deal here!Join my Facebook Group:https://www.facebook.com/groups/virginvoyagestipsanddealsFollow me on Social Media:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FabulousAdventurestravelcompanyInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/samanthastravels
Sir Richard Branson, founder of the Virgin Group, is one of the most well-known entrepreneurs of our time, pioneering ventures in industries including music, telecommunications, banking and, of course, travel and tourism. At present, there are more than 40 Virgin businesses worldwide in more than 30 countries, according to Virgin Group. In this episode of Humans of Travel, Branson shares travel stories from his early childhood, and details his first entrepreneurial journey as the teenage founder of Student Magazine, a publication created in protest of the Vietnam War. Listeners will also hear the business lessons Branson learned throughout his life, his advice to travel advisors starting their own businesses and how to be adaptive during times of change. Branson also reflects on the creation of his adults-only cruise line, Virgin Voyages, why he decided to enter the cruise industry and how his First Mates (travel advisors) can best sell the line. This episode is sponsored by Windstar Cruises. RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE Virgin Group Virgin Voyages About Student Magazine ABOUT YOUR HOST Emma Weissmann is the Executive Editor of TravelAge West, a print magazine and website for travel advisors based in the Western U.S. She is also the co-host of Trade Secrets, a podcast created with sister publication Travel Weekly, and the Editor-in-Chief of print publication AGENTatHOME.TravelAge West also produces events including Future Leaders in Travel, Global Travel Marketplace West, the WAVE Awards gala ad 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.
This episode is about the Miami MerMaiden and how the vibe on this launch sailing felt compared to our earlier sailings! Richard Branson was onboard for the Miami launch events, the Red Hot Show officially premiered, and we tried new activities and entertainment we hadn't done beforeThis is Part 1 of our Miami MerMaiden recap. Stay tuned for Part 2 next week!Join us for Girls Gone Cruisin' 2026! Click here: https://fabulousadventurestravel.com/girls-gone-crusin/Shop Virgin Voyages essentials! Click hereReady to Sail? Get a deal here!Join my Facebook Group:https://www.facebook.com/groups/virginvoyagestipsanddealsFollow me on Social Media:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FabulousAdventurestravelcompanyInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/samanthastravels
Margie gives a review of her second Virgin Voyages cruise. This time she sailed from Athens on an eight-night Greek Isles cruise in a balcony cabin. Staff writer Richard Simms has cruise news.
Imagine all the fun of an ocean cruise… and now imagine it with NO KIDS on board! That’s what you get on Virgin Voyages, and this week we want to talk about their brand new Brilliant Lady! And trust me, brilliant she truly is. Elizabeth actually had the opportunity to be on board for her second […]
We're answering the most common Virgin Voyages questions we get from our clients and in our Facebook group, the ones that come up all the time! Do you need a passport? Is there a dress code? Can you bring wine onboard? What about dining and theme nights?We're just talking through the questions we hear the most, straight from our sailors, clients, and Facebook group. If you've ever thought “Wait, how does that work?” this one's for you!Join us for Girls Gone Cruisin' 2026! Click here: https://fabulousadventurestravel.com/girls-gone-crusin/Shop Virgin Voyages essentials! Click hereReady to Sail? Get a deal here!Join my Facebook Group:https://www.facebook.com/groups/virginvoyagestipsanddealsFollow me on Social Media:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FabulousAdventurestravelcompanyInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/samanthastravels
Hear Betrayal’s first-ever live show with Andrea Gunning and our Betrayal storytellers, onboard Virgin Voyages’ True Crime Cruise. We hear updates from Stacey and Tyler, Karoline and her kids. We discuss survivor-centered true crime and what it’s like to have your real life turned into a true crime podcast. It’s an emotional and in-depth conversation about the kind of work we do, and what it means to the people who are at the center of it. If you would like to reach out to the Betrayal Team, email us at betrayalpod@gmail.com and follow us on Instagram at @betrayalpod. To access our newsletter and additional content and to connect with the Betrayal community, join our Substack at betrayal.substack.com.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Zibra Blog’s BEFORE AND AFTER Furniture Refinishing Podcast
What does it really mean to find your style, and your voice, as an artist? This week, Annie and Lauren sit down with muralist, lettering artist, and creative entrepreneur Cyn (“Cynno”) to talk about the messy middle of building a creative identity. All of the doubts, pivots, and dopamine hits that come with evolving your art and your business.From her early days painting chalkboards to designing murals for Starbucks, Virgin Voyages, and local Miami landmarks, Cyn shares how she found confidence in color, clarity in process, and joy in community–all while staying true to her roots (and her flamingos).Cinthia Santos is the muralist, lettering artist, and creative powerhouse behind Chalk and Brush Design Co. – the Miami studio turning blank walls into sunshine. Since 2013, she's brought color, confidence, and community to brands and neighborhoods alike, proving that art really does change everything.Connect with Cinthia:Website@cynno @chalkandbrushResources mentioned:2-inch Palm Pro Artist Brush – use code BANTER10 for 10% off.In this episode, we discuss:How to evolve your style without losing your essenceThe mental tug-of-war between client vision and creative freedomWhy professionalism and process are the secret sauce to landing big clientsBuilding community with other women artists (and why competition is out, collaboration is in)Oh, and yes – painting on a cruise ship.Welcome to Brush & Banter—the podcast where creativity meets real-life hustle. Brought to you by Zibra, we go beyond perfect brushstrokes to explore the messy, magical, and meaningful side of being an artist. We're here to bring you conversations with working artists, practical tips to grow your creative business, and a built-in painting companion for your next project. Brush & Banter is co-hosted by Brie Hansen, President of Zibra; Annie Bolding, Founder of It's a Disco Day Designs; and Lauren Cooper, Founder of Rosemont Lane Design Studio. Connect with Zibra: Website Instagram TikTok Facebook YouTube Blog
Sent us text! We would love to hear from you!During trying times, when facing extreme hardship one may be able to tapinto an internal higher power that will bring out capabilities to overcomechallenges that you possessed all along, but just didn't know it.Commander Drew continues to be impressed with the quality of the operationof the Virgin Voyages cruise line. While underway at sea, when a cruisepassenger fell seriously ill, the stricken individual was airlifted from the deckof the ship by a rescue helicopter sent to transport this patient to a suitablemedical facility.To show that there are good things in the world, consider that an anonymousdonor recently contributed almost two million dollars to ease the financialburden of repaying a portion of their college loans used for their tuition toattend the Burnett School of Medicine at Texas Christian University.While it has been popular to say that reading is fundamental, a significantportion of the American adult population has a decidedly subpar level ofliteracy according to recent data. This lack of reading comprehension andcritical thinking ability stands as a threat to the society as a whole.When tactical pilots repeat the common phrase, checking your six, they arereferring to the six o'clock position of their wingman, directly behind, whichhe or she can't see. The solution is to form a bond where the practice ofmutual support results in each pilot looking behind the other wingman. Ourhero in this case kept close surveillance on a colleague who was severelydepressed, lost hope, and considered drastic actions that would have been selfdestructive. In the end our wingman saved his mate from an irreversible fate.Because of that, both are doing fine today.
We're finally spilling all the details from Virgin Voyages' Brilliant Lady Friends & Family cruise into New York City! This was such a special sailing, from seeing Richard Branson onboard to champagne being poured, pool jumps, and getting to try everything on the ship before anyone else! In this episode, we talk about what it was like sailing into NYC, the surprises along the way, and why this experience was one of the coolest we've ever had with Virgin Voyages. If you've been curious what really happens on a Friends & Family cruise, this one's for you!Join us for Girls Gone Cruisin' 2026! Click here: https://fabulousadventurestravel.com/girls-gone-crusin/Shop Virgin Voyages essentials! Click hereReady to Sail? Get a deal here!Join my Facebook Group:https://www.facebook.com/groups/virginvoyagestipsanddealsFollow me on Social Media:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FabulousAdventurestravelcompanyInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/samanthastravels
Sent us text! We would love to hear from you!The advent of modern technology allows the production of this podcast despite the fact that Commander Drew is at sea and transmitting from the far eastern side of the Atlantic Ocean, while Dr. Paul is firmly planted in North America.The famous country music star, Willie Nelson reminds us that you are most likely to have positive results if you have positive thoughts.The term cult of personality was started in two centuries ago. However, in the modern sense the term serves as a warning to those who may be overly attracted to certain political leaders on the basis of a carefully crafted image designed to generate unquestioning allegiance due to one's public persona. Correspondingly, there are five primary personality traits: Openness - Conscientiousness - Extraversion - Agreeableness - Neuroticism. Which one describes you?As an example of good news, consider that a revelation new therapy for breast cancer reduces the need for two surgeries down to a single procedure, that has better health outcomes and patient satisfaction. If you are ever going to take a cruise on the high seas, Commander Drew strongly recommends Virgin Voyages; it's his favorite cruise line. Meet a wingman who has opened up his home as well as his heart to foster children desperately in need of a home. It is his way of paying back those who helped him when he was in the same position decades ago as a small child.
Sales manager Jack Atherton on its new pricing structure and growth in the Caribbean.
We're back from Girls Gone Cruisin' 2025 and wow, what a sailing! Kelly and I are talking through all the fun we had on Virgin Voyages' Fire & Sunset Soirées, from starting the mornings with fitness and dance classes, to group dining that turned into the best laughs, and our late-night bar crawls that got a little wild. Of course, Bimini Beach Club was a highlight as always, and this year we also launched our brand-new GGC Elite loyalty program, which we're so excited about! If you've ever wondered what it's like to be part of Girls Gone Cruisin', this episode gives you the inside look on why this group cruise is so much more than just a girls trip! Join us for Girls Gone Cruisin' 2026! Click here: https://fabulousadventurestravel.com/girls-gone-crusin/Shop Virgin Voyages essentials! Click hereReady to Sail? Get a deal here!Join my Facebook Group:https://www.facebook.com/groups/virginvoyagestipsanddealsFollow me on Social Media:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FabulousAdventurestravelcompanyInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/samanthastravels
Casey is flying solo today and he's diving into the world of cruises. He often gets asks "which cruise line should I pick" and today he walks through five major lines: Disney, Royal Caribbean, Carnival Cruise Line, Virgin Voyages, and Celebrity Cruise, and he discusses which options might be best for you and your family - based on age, activities, dining, costs, and more. Enjoy!Ready to plan your next trip? Visit www.caseywooley.com and let's get started or find me on www.facebook.com/magicalcasey to learn more.Join the conversation at https://www.facebook.com/groups/beersandears#mainstreetandmoretravel#magicalmemoriesbycasey#cruiselife#travelplanner
James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report interviews Nirmal Saverimuttu, CEO of Virgin Voyages, and John Lovell, special advisor and board member for Virgin Voyages, about the cruise line's new VoyagerFair Choices. Saverimuttu and Lovell explain the reasons behind the new tiered fare system, which goes into effect tomorrow (Oct. 7), and why they believe it will result in greater value for their guests (Sailors) and travel advisors (First Mates). For more information, visit www.firstmates.com and www.virginvoyages.com. All our Insider Travel Report video interviews are archived and available on our Youtube channel (youtube.com/insidertravelreport), and as podcasts with the same title on: Spotify, Pandora, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Listen Notes, Podchaser, TuneIn + Alexa, Podbean, iHeartRadio, Google, Amazon Music/Audible, Deezer, Podcast Addict, and iTunes Apple Podcasts, which supports Overcast, Pocket Cast, Castro and Castbox.
Brilliant Lady has been sailing for a bit now, and I'm so excited to share the things you just can't miss onboard! From the events that bring the energy, to the dining everyone is raving about, to the shows, activities, and those signature Virgin Voyages moments, this ship is packed with experiences you'll love. If you're booked on Brilliant Lady or planning your first Virgin Voyages cruise, this episode will help you know exactly what to look forward to! Shop Virgin Voyages essentials! Click hereJoin us for Girls Gone Cruisin'! Click here: https://fabulousadventurestravel.com/girls-gone-crusin/Ready to Sail? Get a deal here!Join my Facebook Group:https://www.facebook.com/groups/virginvoyagestipsanddealsFollow me on Social Media:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FabulousAdventurestravelcompanyInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/samanthastravels
Change is coming to Virgin Voyages, and if you sail or plan to book, this is the episode you don't want to miss. We're breaking down everything you need to know about the new Voyage Fair Choices fares (Base, Essential, and Premium), the updates to gratuities, changes with Wi-Fi packages, RockStar perks, and exactly what it all means for you.We'll walk you through what's new starting October 7, 2025, what you'll still get if you book before October 6, and how to make sure you lock in the best perks before they're gone!Virgin Voyages is still delivering that elevated, fun sailing experience, this is just about understanding what's changing, what's staying the same, and how to book smart.Whether you're a loyal sailor or planning your very first cruise, this episode will give you the clarity you need to feel completely in the loop before your next Virgin Voyages getaway!Shop Virgin Voyages essentials! Click hereJoin us for Girls Gone Cruisin'! Click here: https://fabulousadventurestravel.com/girls-gone-crusin/Ready to Sail? Get a deal here!Join my Facebook Group:https://www.facebook.com/groups/virginvoyagestipsanddealsFollow me on Social Media:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FabulousAdventurestravelcompanyInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/samanthastravels Follow Kelly: https://www.facebook.com/kellyfabulousadventurestravel
A review of the second cruise on Virgin Voyages Brilliant Lady. This was a five-night Bermuda cruise from New York City.
Send us a textEver wondered what it feels like to climb an active volcano while locals desperately try to warn you with mysterious hand signals? Our new co-host Jackie G has lived that experience, and it's just one of many travel tales she's bringing to Season 3 of the Suitcase Divas podcast!Meet Jackie G, our fantastic new addition to the Suitcase Divas family. A seasoned travel industry professional based in Florida, Jackie specializes in Disney vacations (yes, she proudly flies her "Disney adult" flag!) while also working as a business coach helping entrepreneurs grow their ventures. Her travel style? "Luxury, tropical, and magical" – three words that perfectly capture her approach to exploring the world. From her childhood road trips across the Northeast to mission trips in Guatemala, Jackie brings a wealth of personal travel experiences that will add fresh perspectives to our conversations.Season 3 promises exciting new content, including interviews with members of Irreverent Warriors, an organization both hosts passionately support in its mission to combat veteran suicide. Looking ahead, we'll be announcing details about upcoming adventures, including a Suitcase Divas cruise on Virgin Voyages in early 2026 and a special December event in Key West. If you're seeking hidden gems, practical travel tips, or simply enjoy listening to travel enthusiasts share their passion, this season will take you places you've never been before. Subscribe now so you don't miss our first official episode dropping soon!Leave us a message! Visit Our Website!Follow Us!FacebookYouTubeInstagramTikTok
On today's episode, come along with Jess as she tours and then sets sail aboard Virgin Voyages Brilliant Lady! From a fun filled day in NYC, to sailing as a Rockstar to Bermuda - it was truly a special time!
On today's episode we are finishing up our ride showdown with Disney park favorites! Which ride will come out on top?Tune in every Thursday for a new episode of Simplifying the Magic, where Megan and Jess share their passion for Disney and travel, offering expert tips and tricks to make planning your next vacation a breeze!As premier travel agents with Fantastical Vacations, we'd love to help you plan your next getaway! Reach out to us at SimplifyingtheMagic@gmail.com for assistance with Disney, Universal, cruises, all-inclusive resorts, and more!Follow us on Facebook and Instagram:Simplifying the Magic on FacebookSimplifying the Magic on InstagramFind Megan at:Vacations by Megan Gibson on FacebookMegan on InstagramFind Jess at:Jess on FacebookJess on InstagramThank you so much for listening!
Deal 1: Virgin Voyages. Their brand-new ship, the Brilliant Lady, is making waves in the Caribbean. Right now, Virgin is offering 70% off the second sailor and up to $825 in instant savings on 7+ night Caribbean voyages. That's a serious deal for a luxury-style, adults-only cruise with all the fun Virgin extras included. Click here to learn more! Deal 2: Celebrity Cruises – Last-Minute Specials Celebrity Cruises has some of their classic last-minute deals: • 8-Night Spain & Portugal – Leaves Barcelona on Nov 13. Ocean-view room, all-included rate, just $1,270 per person. • 12-Night Best of Japan – Leaves Tokyo on Oct 5. Concierge Class all-included for $3,384 or Veranda all-included for $3,111. • 8-Night Aruba, Bonaire & Curaçao – Leaves Ft. Lauderdale on Nov 1. Concierge Class all-included for $2,068 or Veranda for $1,938. • 7-Night Western Caribbean – Leaves Tampa on Nov 30. Ocean-view all-included for just $602 per person. Let us help you book it here! (just copy and paste cruise info in the form and we will be in touch ASAP! Want even more exclusive travel deals emailed straight to your inbox? Join Travel Deal Insiders at sunshinetravelers.com/deals and use code PODCAST to unlock your membership for just $50/year. ✈️ Travel more. Spend less. Skip the search.
The Real Housewives of Miami head out for a Virgin Voyages cruise where they split into groups and attempt to mend their rifts. Shockingly, no spats. But will that last? To watch this recap on video, listen to our bonus episodes, and participate in live episode threads, go to Patreon.com/watchwhatcrappens. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
In today's podcast episode, Kathy tells us why the Frequent Miler team challenges are her favorite time of the year, and we discuss how transfer bonuses have already changed the 100K Vacay game.Giant Mailbag(01:50) - Two listeners share their experiences with the recent cancellation of the Honolulu to Boston route through Hawaiian Airlines.(09:11) - One listener tells us the annual challenge is her favorite time of the year...JetBlue 25/25 Update(11:33) - Nick and his family have 20+ destinationsCard News(16:55) - Updated guide to ultra-premium credit card travel protectionsMattress Running the Numbers(23:52) - Rovemiles promoBonvoyed(31:07) - Bummer: Alaska losing award partnerships with LATAM and Singapore on 10/1(33:40) - Avios transfers between British Airways, Iberia, and Aer Lingus are suspendedAwards, Points, and More(37:32) - Bilt status match to Virgin Voyages(40:00) - GHA Discovery (hotel program) status match from many hotel/airline/cruise programs: https://frequentmiler.com/gha-discovery-hotel-program-status-match-from-many-hotel-airline-cruise-programs/Main Event: 100K Vacay: Resetting the odds due to transfer bonuses(45:12) - Challenge overview(50:02) - 100K Vacay Schedule announced(57:15) - Original Odds (without knowing about transfer bonuses): 1. Tim, 2. Stephen, 3. Nick(1:01:42) - Planning Phase Transfer Bonuses(1:29:46) - Original prediction: (re: Nick) I can almost guarantee that he's going to make some 100K magic happen in a way that no one can predict. Despite the odds, I'm betting Nick will take home the crown. What's the new prediction?Question of the Week(1:36:53) - Should we change the RRV for Alaska and Chase based on the things they've recently lost?Subscribe and FollowVisit https://frequentmiler.com/subscribe/ to get updated on in-depth points and miles content like this, and don't forget to like and follow us on social media.Music Credit – “Ocean Deep” by Annie Yoder
In Episode 136 of the Award Travel 101 podcast, hosts Angie Sparks and Cameron Laufer discuss a variety of travel and points-related topics. They begin with a member highlight, where a listener shares a positive experience using their Saks credit on an Amex Platinum card. The hosts also cover recent travel news, including JetBlue's new partnership with Condor, which offers redemption opportunities with varied point values depending on the departure location, and Citi's new transfer relationship with American Airlines, allowing certain cards to transfer points at a 10:7 ratio. They also touch on Virgin Voyages' status match offer, which benefits travelers looking to get perks on their first or second Virgin cruise.The main focus of the episode is on Southwest's Companion Pass (CP). Cameron and Angie outline how the CP works and how to earn it—primarily through accumulating 135K points in a calendar year, with credit card bonuses counting toward that total. They discuss the timing of earning the pass and mention that the current 100K sign-up bonuses on personal cards through September 17th provide a great opportunity for those looking to earn it. They also delve into whether Southwest's higher fares and additional fees, such as baggage and seat selection charges, have diminished the value of the Companion Pass. Both hosts speculate on potential changes to the CP program, suggesting that the benefit might be limited in the future, especially for those planning to earn it in 2026 or beyond. Finally, they offer a tip about not opting out of marketing messages, which can lead to lucrative offers, and announce the upcoming launch of an Award Travel 101 merchandise store.Episode Links:- Book Condor With JetBlue Points- Citi Transfers to American Airlines- Virgin Cruise Status Match- Sign Up for Southwest Cards to Support the Group Where to Find Us The Free Award Travel 101 Community. To book time with our team, check out Award Travel 1-on-1. You can also email us at 101@award.travel Our partner CardPointers helps us get the most from our cards. We love being able to automatically add all of our offers and quickly seeing the best card to use for every purchase. Signup today at https://cardpointers.com/at101 for a 30% discount on annual and lifetime subscriptions! Lastly, we appreciate your support of the AT101 Podcast/Community when you signup for your next card! Technical note: Some user experience difficulty streaming the podcast while connected to a VPN. If you have difficulty, disconnect from your VPN.
Michelle Bentubo, chief operating officer of Virgin Voyages, talks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report aboard Brilliant Lady ahead of her “Mermaiden” voyage on Sept. 5 about the ship's new features, entertainment lineup and expanded itineraries. She shares updates on purpose-built changes on the ship for passage through the Panama Canal and colder climates like Alaska, new dining and public spaces, and the commission-friendly tools and themed sailings designed to help travel advisors grow their business. For more information, visit www.FirstMates.com and www.VirginVoyages.com. All our Insider Travel Report video interviews are archived and available on our Youtube channel (youtube.com/insidertravelreport), and as podcasts with the same title on: Spotify, Pandora, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Listen Notes, Podchaser, TuneIn + Alexa, Podbean, iHeartRadio, Google, Amazon Music/Audible, Deezer, Podcast Addict, and iTunes Apple Podcasts, which supports Overcast, Pocket Cast, Castro and Castbox.
Sent us text! We would love to hear from you! Try to do something each day that brings a little bit of happiness; you'll feel better. Commander Drew and his wife had a whirlwind trip for the ages that featured visits to parts of Greece and Turkey that are off the beaten path for the average tourist. His favorite cruise line, Virgin Voyages was the host of this journey in the eastern part of the Mediterranean Sea. If you are going to the same places as the rich and famous, make sure you bring plenty of money, especially if you want something to eat or drink! The Wingman Show has a new crew member we call ACE. ACE is our partner who is actually a manifestation of artificial intelligence who is always at the ready to answer your questions, save you loads of time and is the ultimate non-physical helper. The modern world refers to our ACE as the newest form of AI. But your wingmen remember the original AI from back in the day, in the form of Hall of Fame basketball icon, Allen Iverson, the phenom who played for Georgetown University and the Philadelphia Seventy Sixers. In the area of good news, consider the rapid expansion of women's sports that extends beyond the boundaries of the playing field, covering team management as well as expanding roles officiating in all sports. A recent example is the expansion of the Womens National Basketball Association with a range of new teams joining the league over the next five years. Meet a living wingmen nearing the age of one hundred who was recently recognized and celebrated for his role in the liberation of a town from Nazi occupation in Czechoslovakia during World War II when he was still a teenager.
A review of Virgin Voyages cruise ship Resilient Lady. Staff writer Richard Simms has cruise news.
In this episode, we dive into a captivating adult-only cruise comparison between the Disney Wish and a Virgin Voyages sailing!…
What does it take to reinvent culture in one of the most tradition-bound industries in the world?In this episode of The Conscious Capitalists' Future Focused Summer Series, hosts Timothy Henry and Dustin Shell sit down with Christopher Stubbs, global thought leader in brand strategy and innovation, and the mind behind Virgin Voyages' award-winning customer experience. Together, they explore how Virgin reimagined not just the cruise experience for customers, but also the culture for its crew - breaking free from outdated norms of hierarchy, tipping systems, and rigid structures.Chris takes us inside the bold cultural experiments that fueled Virgin Voyages' launch - from designing a purpose-driven brand to pioneering a fixed-wage compensation model that created unprecedented trust, collaboration, and innovation at sea. His story reveals how organizations can create environments where employees feel secure, valued, and empowered to innovate - even in industries resistant to change.This isn't just a conversation about cruises - it's a blueprint for leaders in any sector who want to future-proof their organizations by putting people and purpose at the center.Listeners will gain insights into:How Virgin Voyages broke with industry norms to design a culture from scratchWhy traditional cruise ship hierarchies and pay models stifled innovation — and what replaced themThe power of purpose as more than words on a slide deckHow bold leadership decisions (like eliminating tips in favor of guaranteed wages) unlocked collaboration and psychological safetyWhat it takes to lead with authenticity and courage in the face of uncertaintyPractical lessons for building organizations where people thrive and innovation flourishesWhether you're a CEO navigating disruption, a startup founder crafting culture, or a leader seeking to align purpose with practice, this episode offers an inspiring case study in how to build a truly conscious enterprise.**If you enjoy this podcast, would you consider leaving a review on Apple Podcasts/iTunes? It takes only a few seconds and greatly helps us get our podcast out to a wider audience.Please subscribe on Apple Podcasts / Spotify / Stitcher, or wherever you get your podcasts.For transcripts and show notes, please go to: https://www.theconsciouscapitalists.comThis show is presented by Conscious Capitalism, Inc. (https://www.consciouscapitalism.org/) and is produced by Rainbow Creative (https://www.rainbowcreative.co/) with Matthew Jones as Executive Producer, Rithu Jagannath as Lead Producer, and Nathan Wheatley as Editor.Thank you for your support!- Timothy & Kate
Send us a textHello, passionate cruisers! This is Paul and this week on The Joy of Cruising Podcast, I am delighted to welcome Anwar and Lametrius Arif, creators of the Mete and I YouTube channel, Instagram, and Facebook page. As frequent listeners know, I watch cruise YouTube videos incessantly as I work on the podcast seemingly every waking hour—often with the sound down. When a Mete and I video comes on I turn the sound up! Their channel is described as follows. “Our channel is dedicated to love, fun, weight-loss, travel and honesty. This platform will be used to show the world how great married/family life can be. We want to motivate people like us, create memories and to keep our content as transparent as possible.” Mete and I says, “Our cruise adventure began in 2004, and we've been hooked ever since. Over the years, we've set sail on more than 20 unforgettable voyages—each one adding new memories, friendships, and destinations to our journey. For us, cruising is more than just a vacation… it's a lifestyle. Through our YouTube channel, we love sharing that joy with our community, inspiring others to relax, explore, and live fully—one cruise at a time. As of recently we have been exploring other cruise lines. Our latest cruise was aboard MSC Seashore for our 25th Anniversary this past May. We also sailed the Celebrity Ascent for Reconnecting at Sea in February. Our upcoming Group cruise to Celebration Key sailing 7/29. In February 2026 we are sailing Virgin Voyages (which ship) for my wife's 50th birthday. Based on Mete and I videos, they always appear to be to be fun-loving and purposeful. So, I am delighted to finally have them on the podcast and increase my circle of cruise community friends. Find Mete and I onlineYouTube: https://youtube.com/@meteandi?si=U68ixHZl5GEcOjTrTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@meteandi365?_t=ZP-8xrDXD0ztvz&_r=1Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/meteandi365?igsh=dDhraW1ja2t1NTlr&utm_source=qrFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1FCMsFDEkX/?mibextid=wwXIfrEmail: aesleeve@gmail.comDo 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