Cruise Radio: Weekly Cruise News & Travel Tips

Doug Parker and Richard Simms discuss major cruise news, including a man-overboard prank, new residential cruise concepts, Disney's plans in Japan, and Norwegian's Philadelphia debut. Guest Heather shares her solo experience aboard Norwegian Joy, covering stateroom comfort, dining, entertainment, and excursions, and an awesome food tour in Cozumel. She offers practical tips for first-time and solo cruisers, praises Norwegian's solo traveler community, and recommends specialty dining. The episode provides valuable insights into cruise trends, ship life, and making the most of solo travel at sea. 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 Celebrity Infinity.  Doug interviews Andrea about her ten-night "Best of Greece" cruise aboard Celebrity Infinity. Andrea discusses the ship's recent technical issues, her decision to sail, and highlights from the itinerary, including ports like Nafplio, Heraklion, Rhodes, Kavala, Kusadasi, and Athens. She shares insights on dining, entertainment, and shore excursions, noting the ship's age but praising its cleanliness and crew. Despite minor setbacks prior to her sailing, Andrea describes the cruise as a bucketlist itinerary and well-paced, with a focus on exploring Greek destinations rather than what the ship offers onboard.  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 Carnival Cruise Line's first Excel ship Mardi Gras.  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.

Doug Parker and cruise correspondent Richard Simms discuss the latest cruise news, including Carnival's new express dining, Princess Cruises' gratuity increases, and a proposed Tampa mega terminal. They also cover a man overboard false alarm and entertainment updates from Royal Caribbean and Norwegian.  Guest Daniel reviews his seven-night luxury cruise on MSC's Explorer One, sharing insights on the ship's all-suite accommodations, exceptional dining, unique ports, and overall experience. The episode offers listeners a comprehensive mix of industry updates and an in-depth review of MSC Cruises' new luxury cruise brand, Explora Journeys. 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 Cruise Radio episode, Doug Parker and staff writer Richard Simms cover cruise news about:  Conflict in the Middle East Cruise line financials  Private island news from Norwegian Cruise Line Drink package news from Royal Caribbean  Brian gives us a recap of his six-night solo sailing on Royal Caribbean's Harmony of the Seas from Galveston. Brian shares insights on booking, embarkation, and onboard experiences, highlighting the ship's entertainment, dining, and amenities. He reviews port visits to Costa Maya, Roatan, and Cozumel, including a rainy day at Mr. Sancho's resort.  Brian offers practical tips for solo cruisers and praises the ship's layout and value, concluding with a strong recommendation for Harmony of the Seas and Oasis-class ships overall. 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.

Doug Parker interviews Madison about her seven-night family cruise on Norwegian Cruise Line's new Prima-plus class ship, Norwegian Aqua, sailing from New York City to Bermuda. Madison shares detailed insights on embarkation logistics, stateroom comfort, the different dining experiences, onboard entertainment, and memorable Bermuda excursions. She offers practical tips for booking shows, specialty dining, and shore activities, highlighting the ship's spacious design and the value of planning ahead.  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 Princess Cruises' Sky Princess. This was a 14 night land of the midnight sun cruise from Southampton, UK up to Norway and back.  Staff writer Richard Simms has cruise news on the latest events with Carnival Cruise Line in Mexico, a lawsuit against Princess Cruises, a former Norwegian Cruise Line employee arrested, Carnival's new onboard lotto.  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.

Tim talks about his eight night sailing on Carnival Magic to Aruba, Bonaire, and Curacao in the Southern Caribbean. This ABC cruise left from Port Miami and had an extended stay at each of the islands lasting into the evening.  Doug Parker and cruise news reporter Richard Simms discuss major cruise industry updates. Cruise news topics include Celebrity Infinity's canceled sailing after a technical issue and a reported small electrical fire, a dramatic rescue at sea by Radiance of the Seas, and protests against Royal Caribbean's new Perfect Day Mexico project.  They also cover Carnival's new dining venues on Australian ships and Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings' $2 billion ship order, plus activist investor Elliott Management's push for leadership changes at Norwegian. 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 Cruise Radio episode, Doug interviews Rick about his recent transatlantic voyage on Cunard's Queen Mary 2, sailing from Southampton to New York. Rick shares highlights including pre-cruise adventures in London and Paris, smooth embarkation, stateroom selection, dining experiences, and unique onboard amenities like lectures, a planetarium, and a vast library. He describes witnessing whales, enjoying the ship's stability in rough seas, and the relaxed yet elegant atmosphere. Rick offers practical tips for first-timers and dispels myths about formality, ultimately recommending the Queen Mary 2 crossing as "a memorable, classic travel 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, host Doug Parker and staff writer Richard Simms cover the latest cruise news, including dramatic man-overboard incidents, a major Carnival IT outage, a man unhappy with an onboard purchase, and cruise line Royal Caribbean Group shareholder updates.  A review of Royal Caribbean's Odyssey of the Seas during a festive New Year's Eve sailing. Jason shares insights on embarkation, dining, entertainment, specialty packages, and the new Royal Beach Club in Nassau, offering practical tips for first-time cruisers. The episode blends news, personal experiences, and expert advice for cruise planning. 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 a Hawaii cruise on Norwegian Cruise Line's Pride of America.  Richard has cruise news on:  Carnival Hikes Gratuities & Drink Package – Starting April 2, gratuities rise to $17/day in standard rooms and $19/day in suites. Bottomless Bubbles soda package also increases to $11.99/day. Trevi Fountain Adds Entry Fee – Visitors must now pay $2.40 to get close to Rome's iconic fountain; locals and kids under 6 exempt. Jazz Cruise Tragedy – Renowned jazz musician Ken Peplowski passed away onboard Celebrity Summit during the annual Jazz Cruise. Drug Bust at PortMiami – Five passengers arrested with narcotics before boarding Symphony of the Seas for a themed Atlantis cruise. MSC Guests Left Behind – MSC Orchestra couldn't dock in Marseille due to port protests, forcing guests to rejoin in Genoa. MSC Adding Yacht Club – MSC Musica and Orchestra will receive the Yacht Club luxury enclave during upcoming refurbishments. Disney Adventure Breaks Record – Becomes the largest passenger ship to transit the Panama Canal on its way to Singapore homeport. 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 discuss the latest cruise industry news. Topics include:  Norwegian Cruise Line's first overnight docking at Great Stirrup Cay. The impact of Winter Storm Fern on cruise itineraries, and the importance of travel insurance. Royal Caribbean debuts cruise ship earlier than planned MSC developing a Freeport cruise port on Grand Bahamas Island. Norwegian's new policy requiring early arrivals for air program guests. Cruise ship Scenic Eclipse receiving icebreaker assistance in Antarctica. Carnival crew member labor disputes in Australia.  The episode also features Kevin's review of Royal Caribbean's newest ship, Star of the Seas, showcasing family-friendly amenities, food & dining, and the value of cruising on a large, modern ship in 2026 as a family. 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 Norwegian Getaway in 2026. Plus staff writer Richard Simms 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.

In this episode of Cruise Radio, host Doug Parker and staff writer Richard Simms cover the latest industry news, including Royal Caribbean's extended suspension of Haiti port calls, norovirus outbreaks, Norwegian Cruise Line branding changes, and the end of free cabin upgrades or "upgrade fairy." Ryan shares a detailed review of his five-night Carnival Paradise cruise, highlighting his suite upgrade, dining experiences, New Year's Eve festivities, and port visits to Nassau and Celebration Key.  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 weekky since 2009.

In this episode of Cruise Radio, Ralph shares an in-depth review of his seven-night cruise on MSC Grandiosa, a ship that recently started sailing from Port Canaveral, Florida after repositioning from Europe.  He discusses embarkation, ship design, cabin comfort, dining experiences, entertainment, and port visits. Ralph highlights the ship's European and Latin influences, standout live music, Cirque-style shows, and the relaxing private island, Ocean Cay Marine Reserve. He also offers practical tips for booking activities and navigating the ship's amenities. The episode provides valuable insights for cruise passengers considering MSC, highlighting both the ship's strengths and challengesin the North American market. 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 weekky since 2009.

A review of Carnival Venezia on a nine-night Caribbean cruise from New York City. Staff writer Richard Simms has cruise news. TripInsurance.com president Dan Skilken answers some listener question.

This week on Cruise Radio, we cover cruise news along with a ship review of Disney Wish. Stories include a rescue at Celebration Key, Hawaii's new cruise passenger tax, and changes at Norwegian Cruise Line's private destination, Great Stirrup Cay. In this episode: A four-year-old fell between Carnival Sunrise and the pier at Celebration Key and was rescued by her mother and crew members  Hawaii implemented an 11% cruise passenger tax effective January 1, 2026 Around 100 passengers reported gastrointestinal illness on Celebrity Eclipse Coral Adventurer ran aground on a reef near Papua New Guinea, and passengers were evacuated Norwegian Cruise Line opened a new pier and amenities at Great Stirrup Cay, with drink package changes Review of Disney Wish Ship review: The three-night sailing aboard Disney Wish departed from Port Canaveral, with a planned stop at Nassau changed to a sea day due to weather, and a visit to Castaway Cay. The review covers rotational dining across three themed restaurants, Broadway-style shows, and adult-only spaces. 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 every week since 2009.

A seven-night cruise on Royal Caribbean Symphony of the Seas from Bayonne, New Jersey to Florida and The Bahamas. This cruise had a stop in Nassau, Port Canaveral, and Perfect Day at CocoCay. 

An eight-night review of Carnival Panorama from Long Beach, California to the Mexican Riviera. 

A review of the newly launched Celebrity Xcel on a two night preview cruise from Port Canaveral. Hear first impressions of the fifth Edge-class ship.