CruiseHabit Podcast - Cruise Info & Ship Talk

When it comes to cruising, we think that longer is better.  Recently though we enjoyed the newly refurbished Norwegian Sky for a three night sailing, and it reminded us that sometimes a weekend getaway on a great ship is just what the doctor ordered.  Ric and Billy talk about their staterooms, the various packages NCL offers, as well as dining, drinking, and enjoying all that Norwegian Sky and Great Stirrup Cay has to offer.   Link Related to This Episode   Norwegian Sky 3 Night Cruise Live Blog https://www.cruisehabit.com/tags/norwegian-sky-live-blog The Best Time to Cruise - CruiseHabit Podcast Episode 16 https://www.cruisehabit.com/podcast/best-time-cruise-cruisehabit-podcast-episode-16 The Difference Between Stateroom Types, Categories & Guarantees: Demystifying the Stateroom Selection https://www.cruisehabit.com/difference-between-stateroom-types-categories-guarantees-demystifying-stateroom-selection Uber, Lyft, Cabs, Shuttles? How to Get to and from Your Cruise Easily & Cheaply https://www.cruisehabit.com/uber-lyft-cabs-shuttles-how-get-and-your-cruise-easily-cheaply Manila SOUL - The band we enjoyed on Norwegian Sky https://www.facebook.com/pg/Manila-SOUL-341039609561940/posts/ Key West - Great Cruise Destinations Don't Have to Be Far Away - Episode 2 https://www.cruisehabit.com/podcast/key-west-great-cruise-destinations-dont-have-be-far-away-episode-2 Mariner of the Seas Live Blog https://www.royalcaribbeanblog.com/boards/index.php?/topic/9322-mariner-of-the-seas-liveishblog-917-922/ Want to book a trip like ours? Get help from a great travel agent and support the show! https://www.cruisehabit.com/content/get-help-great-travel-agent

Usually when we think of planning for a cruise, the thoughts are about fun, relaxation, and getting away from it all. Things happen though, and travel insurance can help take the sting out of unfortunate circumstance - but only if you understand it, and buy the right type of policy for your needs.  We've discussed trip insurance before at CruiseHabit.com, but with hurricane season just beginning, we thoughts we'd cover the seven things you should know about travel insurance.   Link Related to This Episode     How to Pick the Right Travel Insurance Policy for Your Next Cruise https://www.CruiseHabit.com/insurance Cruising During Hurricane Season https://www.CruiseHabit.com/hurricanes Royal Caribbean Blog's Hotel Reviews https://www.royalcaribbeanblog.com/category/category/hotels Comparing Cruise Line Credit Cards https://www.cruisehabit.com/comparing-cruise-line-credit-cards Should I Use a Travel Agent or Book Directly with a Cruise Line? https://www.cruisehabit.com/should-i-use-travel-agent-or-book-directly-cruise-line I mentioned my awesome travel agent - you can try them out yourself! http://bit.ly/2XPIPnE

On this special episode we sat down with Frank Del Rio, the President and CEO of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings.  We discuss his journey from a boy in Cuba to the CEO of a publicly traded company, the cruise industry's growth potential, fleet expansions, what he's most excited about at NCL, Oceania, & Regent Seven Seas, and more.      Links Related to This Episode Norwegian Sky Emerges From Three-Week Drydock with New Lounges, Starbucks, Sushi Bar, and More https://www.cruisehabit.com/norwegian-sky-emerges-three-week-drydock-new-lounges-starbucks-sushi-bar-and-more OceaniaNEXT, Including a $100 Million Overhaul of Oceania's R-Class Ships https://www.cruisehabit.com/oceania-cruises-announces-100m-overhaul-r-class-ships-first-step-oceanianext-initiative Norwegian Bliss Details Revealed Including Laser Tag & Largest Competitive Racetrack at Sea https://www.cruisehabit.com/norwegian-bliss-details-revealed-including-laser-tag-largest-competitive-racetrack-sea Oceania Cruises Orders Two Allura-Class Ships - Will Offer More Space for Guest https://www.cruisehabit.com/oceania-cruises-orders-two-allura-class-ships-will-offer-more-space-guests HAL Nieuw Statendam Live Blog https://www.cruisehabit.com/tags/nieuw-statendam-live-blog

Planning a cruise requires a lot of decision making.  Some things come down to preference, but if you're looking for the cheapest time of the year to cruise Alaska or the Caribbean we can help.  After analyzing thousands of price points across the year, we go over the most economical and most expensive times to sail, as well as why the time of year matters.   Link Related to This Episode Which cruise line is best for me? The differences between cruise lines. (explaining different types of lines) https://www.cruisehabit.com/which-cruise-line-best-me-differences-between-cruise-lines What are repositioning cruises? https://www.cruisehabit.com/what-are-repositioning-cruises Nieuw Amsterdam Live Blog https://www.cruisehabit.com/tags/nieuw-amsterdam-live-blog What happens if I book a cruise and then the price goes down? https://www.cruisehabit.com/what-happens-if-i-book-cruise-and-then-price-goes-down A 'Fare' Price - Cruise Pricing & Promotions Explained https://www.cruisehabit.com/podcast/fare-price-cruise-pricing-promotions-explained-cruisehabit-podcast-episode-15 Key West - Great Cruise Destinations Don't Have to Be Far Away https://www.cruisehabit.com/podcast/key-west-great-cruise-destinations-dont-have-be-far-away-episode-2  

Cruise pricing can require a lit bit of explanation, but sales and promotions can be even more confusing.  Some promotions aren't combinable, sales can take percentages off rates that aren't easily found, and different packages offer different levels of value depending on what you're looking for.  Whether you're hunting for the best deal, or just trying to understand how much a cruise will cost you, we'll try and make it a bit easier to understand.   Link Related to This Episode How Much Does it Cost to Dock a Cruise Ship? https://www.cruisehabit.com/how-much-does-it-cost-dock-cruise-ship Should I use a travel agent or book directly with a cruise line? https://www.cruisehabit.com/should-i-use-travel-agent-or-book-directly-cruise-line What Is Onboard Credit (OBC) & How Can You Use It? https://www.cruisehabit.com/what-onboard-credit-obc-how-can-you-use-it Cruise Line Beverage Packages: Should you get a drink package? https://www.cruisehabit.com/cruise-line-beverage-packages-should-you-get-drink-package What happens if I book a cruise and then the price goes down? https://www.cruisehabit.com/what-happens-if-i-book-cruise-and-then-price-goes-down First Glimpse of Virgin Voyages Prices https://www.cruisehabit.com/first-glimpse-virgin-voyages-prices 

Over the past couple years we've had the opportunity to watch a new cruise line emerge.  With details of Virgin Voyages trickling out at a pace that leaves us constantly wanting more, we thought we'd take this episode to share what we know so far about Sir Richard Branson's first dive into cruising.  We talk about who is behind the line, what the ship will be like, the things that make Virgin Voyages so different - and even tattoos.  Check out the links below for photos, renderings and more information.    Link Related to This Episode Virgin Voyages Reveals Additional Details: No passengers and no children. https://www.cruisehabit.com/virgin-voyages-reveals-additional-details-no-passengers-and-no-children Branson promised different, did Virgin deliver? A First Look at Virgin Voyages' Cruise Ships! https://www.cruisehabit.com/branson-promised-different-did-virgin-deliver-first-look-virgin-voyages-cruise-ships Virgin Voyages Gives Sailors (Cruisers) Another Way to Remember Their Sailing - With Tattoos at Sea! https://www.cruisehabit.com/virgin-voyages-gives-cruises-another-way-remember-their-sailing-tattoos-sea Virgin Voyages Names First Ship, Aims to Keep Sailors & the Environment Healthy https://www.cruisehabit.com/virgin-voyages-names-first-ship-aims-keep-sailors-environment-healthy Virgin Voyages' Scarlet Lady to Deliver Distinctly Non-Cruise Dining. Drag Brunch & Food Hall? Yes. Buffet & Dining Room? Nope. https://www.cruisehabit.com/virgin-voyages-scarlet-lady-deliver-distinctly-non-cruise-dining-drag-brunch-food-hall-yes-buffet Virgin Voyages Reveals Clever Cabins and RockStar Suites on Scarlet Lady https://www.cruisehabit.com/virgin-voyages-reveals-clever-cabins-and-rockstar-suites-scarlet-lady First Glimpse of Virgin Voyages Prices https://www.cruisehabit.com/first-glimpse-virgin-voyages-prices All Virgin Voyages Articles https://www.cruisehabit.com/tags/virgin-voyages

One thing every great vacation has in common is a beginning. On a cruise, that's called Embarkation Day. From when to show up at the terminal, to where to find food, but avoid crowds when everyone else is heading to the buffet, we're covering everything you need to know about your first day onboard.   Link Related to This Episode CruiseHabit.com Packing List and Artlicles https://www.cruisehabit.com/packing Cruise Line Transfers https://www.cruisehabit.com/getting-and-your-cruise-cruise-line-transfers Hotel "Park and Cruise" Packages https://www.cruisehabit.com/hotel-park-and-cruise-packages-what-know-about-hotel-shuttles-and-your-cruise-port Uber, Lyft, cabs, and other ways to get to the port https://www.cruisehabit.com/uber-lyft-cabs-shuttles-how-get-and-your-cruise-easily-cheaply 12 Things You Should Do the First Day of Your Cruise https://www.cruisehabit.com/12-things-you-should-do-first-day-your-cruise  

Looking back on great cruises is nice, but looking forward to those trips we have ahead of us is even more exciting.  On this episode Ric and Billy discuss their 2018 cruises and talk about where they'll be sailing in 2019.   Link Related to This Episode MSC Seaside Live Blog https://www.cruisehabit.com/tags/msc-seaside-live-blog Mariner of the Seas Live Blog https://www.royalcaribbeanblog.com/boards/index.php?/topic/9322-mariner-of-the-seas-liveishblog-917-922/ Celebrity Infinity Live Blog https://www.cruisehabit.com/tags/celebrity-infinity-live-blog Celebrity Edge Live Blog https://www.cruisehabit.com/tags/celebrity-edge-live-blog Celebrity Revolution https://www.cruisehabit.com/tags/celebrity-revolution Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast - Three Wishes https://www.royalcaribbeanblog.com/podcast/episode-281-three-wishes CruiseHabit's Instagram Account https://www.instagram.com/cruisehabit/ Royal Caribbean Blog January Orlando Meet https://www.facebook.com/events/275209570009792/

When cruising Celebrity Edge, we found that Eden isn't just a bar, restaurant, show, cafe, or lounge - nor is it all those things smashed into one space.  Struggling to describe Eden, and especially the experiences this fantastic space provides, we decided it would be best to dedicate an entire episode to just this topic.  We've also linked to a number of relevant photos in the notes below.   Link Related to This Episode Celebrity Edge December Live Blog Posts www.cruisehabit.com/tags/celebrity-edge-live-blog Eden on Celebrity Edge, Photos & Videos www.cruisehabit.com/eden-celebrity-edge-photo-album

In part two of our review of Celebrity Edge, we start discussing the entertainment options around Edge, mention some crew members and officers, and even cover what we wish was different on this great new ship.  If you've not yet listened to the first part of this episode, you can find it linked in the show notes below, along with pictures, video, and more.   Link Related to This Episode Celebrity Edge December Live Blog Posts https://www.cruisehabit.com/tags/celebrity-edge-live-blog Celebrity Edge in Review Part 1 - Episode 9 https://www.cruisehabit.com/podcast/celebrity-edge-review-part-1-cruisehabit-podcast-episode-9 La Petite Chef & Friends on Celebrity Edge (including video of each course) https://www.cruisehabit.com/le-petit-chef-and-friends-celebrity-edge

Ric and Billy were fortunate enough to be among the first guests to sail on Celebrity's newest ship, Celebrity Edge.  Being the first ship in a new class there is a lot to share, so we've split our review of our three night sailing into two episodes.  They're a bit longer than usual, but we think you'll enjoy learning about the Magic Carpet, Eden, La Petite Chef, the wonderful crew, and so much more that Edge has to offer.  For photos and videos, be sure to check out our live blogs and other articles linked in the show notes below.   Link Related to This Episode Celebrity Edge December Live Blog Posts https://www.cruisehabit.com/tags/celebrity-edge-live-blog Original Announcement of Terminal 25 (from March 2017) https://www.cruisehabit.com/rccl-signs-deal-port-everglades-customized-rennovations-terminal-25 Celebrity Edge Preview Podcast - Episode 6 https://www.cruisehabit.com/podcast/celebrity-edge-preview-episode-6 La Petite Chef & Friends on Celebrity Edge (including video of each course) https://www.cruisehabit.com/le-petit-chef-and-friends-celebrity-edge

Early in November, Carnival Cruise Line invited Ric to tour the Carnival Paradise while she was docked in her home port of Tampa, Florida. On this bonus episode, Billy interviews Ric about what he saw (and ate) on that ship tour. We close out the episode with a listener question.   Link Related to This Episode Carnival Paradise Ship Tour https://www.cruisehabit.com/carnival-paradise-ship-tour A Brief History of the Blue Riband - The Fastest Passenger Ships to Sail the Atlantic https://www.cruisehabit.com/brief-history-blue-riband-fastest-passenger-ships-sail-atlantic

Cruising can be habit forming, but among those who've not yet taken their first cruise, there are some common concerns, ranging from sea-sickness and boredom, to safety and weather.  On this episode we take a look at some of these concerns and provide information to clear up fact from fiction, and offer tips along the way.   Link Related to This Episode First Time Cruise Series (a whole collection of articles for first timers) https://www.cruisehabit.com/first-time-cruisers Cruise Safety (articles focusing on safety at sea, including life boat and muster drill info) https://www.cruisehabit.com/tags/safety Want to avoid Norovirus? Take a cruise! (the real facts about Norovirus and cruising) https://www.cruisehabit.com/noro Cruising with Dietary Restrictions https://www.cruisehabit.com/how-request-vegan-vegatarian-gluten-free-or-kosher-meals-your-next-cruise Cruising During Hurricane Season (how cruise lines handle hurricanes, what to consider, and more) https://www.cruisehabit.com/hurricanes "I'm worried I'll get seasick. Do you feel the ship move?" How to avoid motion sickness on cruise ships. https://www.cruisehabit.com/im-worried-ill-get-seasick-do-you-feel-ship-move-how-avoid-motion-sickness-cruise-ships

Celebrity Edge is the first in a new class of ship, and in less than a month, we'll be among the first to sail her.  We talk about some of what makes her so different as Celebrity tries to redefine the cruise experience, and we discuss how we plan to see and do as much as possible on our December 6th three-night sailing. Link Related to This Episode Our collection of articles on Celebrity Edge (with lots of photos and some video!)  https://www.cruisehabit.com/tags/celebrity-edge Specialty Dining - Defining the Experience, Its History, Options, and What's Ahead - CruiseHabit Podcast Episode 4 (we discuss Celebrity Edge dining in this episode) https://www.cruisehabit.com/podcast/specialty-dining-defining-experience-its-history-options-and-whats-ahead-cruisehabit-podcast January 13 Celebrity Edge Facebook Group (Billy will also be sailing Edge on January 13th 2019 (If you're on that sailing come talk ship with us in the group!) https://www.facebook.com/groups/2156540544667012/

Most cruise lines have programs that reward guests for their loyalty.  The perks are as wide-ranging as cruise experiences, and different lines let you climb the ranks of these programs in different ways.  What are some of the more remarkable benefits?  How do we value these programs?  We look at the various programs and help you understand how to take advantage of what is being offered. Link Related to This Episode Which cruise line is best for me? The differences between cruise lines. https://www.cruisehabit.com/which-cruise-line-best-me-differences-between-cruise-lines (We explain the different types of lines here) Join us live from ship and shore!  http://cruisehabit.com/periscope We've got broadcasts from Symphony of the Seas, Celebrity Edge, and more coming up soon!

The cruise experience is inextricably tied to dining, but what is specialty dining?  This concept may not be as new as you think, so we dive into what exactly specialty dining is, where it started, and we look at the types of experiences available now, plus some in the near future. Link Related to This Episode Norwegian Escape Live Blog https://www.cruisehabit.com/norwegian-escape-live-blog-preamble MSC Seaside Live Blog https://www.cruisehabit.com/msc-seaside-live-blog-preamble Celebrity Reflection Live Blog https://www.cruisehabit.com/tags/celebrity-reflection-live-blog Episode 271 - Mariner of the Seas listener cruise review https://www.royalcaribbeanblog.com/podcast/episode-271-mariner-of-the-seas-listener-cruise-review The "Good Old Days" of Cruising Were Nice, but Today's Cruising Is Even Better https://www.cruisehabit.com/good-old-days-cruising-were-nice-todays-cruising-even-better

A lot of attention is paid the biggest ships with the most outrageous features - and for good reason.  We discuss what megaships are, why they're so appealing to some people, and talk about how they fit into the bigger picture of the world of cruising. Link Related to This Episode New cruise ships are huge - except when they're not https://www.cruisehabit.com/new-cruise-ships-are-huge-except-when-theyre-not Many new cruise ships will look to the sea. Will those seeking floating hotels appreciate a return to the ocean? https://www.cruisehabit.com/many-new-cruise-ships-will-look-sea-will-those-seeking-floating-hotels-appreciate-return-ocean Carnival Increased Capacity in Tampa, Galveston, and New Orleans: Why these ports matter more than you think https://www.cruisehabit.com/carnival-increased-capacity-tampa-galveston-and-new-orleans-why-these-ports-matter-more-you-think Norwegian Escape Live Blog https://www.cruisehabit.com/norwegian-escape-live-blog-preamble MSC Seaside Live Blog https://www.cruisehabit.com/msc-seaside-live-blog-preamble

You can take cruises all over the world, sometimes sailing for a week just to arrive at your destination.  There are some cruise destinations however for which those leaving from Florida don't have to travel very far.  On this episode we discuss excursions, sites, tours, and dining in The Conch Republic, The Southernmost Point: Key West. Link Related to This Episode Nieuw Amsterdam Live Blog in Key West https://www.cruisehabit.com/hal-nieuw-amsterdam-live-blog-day-2-%E2%80%93-key-west Empress of the Seas Live Blog in Key West https://www.royalcaribbeanblog.com/2017/05/22/empress-of-the-seas-live-blog-day-2-key-west?utm_source=cruisehabit Periscope Video of Billy Eating the Hottest Sauces in the Keys https://www.periscope.tv/CruiseHabit/1jMJgorAXkWJL

Whenever a cruise line introduces a new class of ships, it’s easy to forget about the great ships they already have.  Last year, during the fanfare of the Edge class announcements, Celebrity Cruise Lines unveiled Celebrity Revolution.  Now the scale of this $500 million fleet upgrade program has become more clear, and we're even more excited.  Ric and Billy discuss what is ahead for the Celebrity fleet. Link Related to This Episode Celebrity Revolution (including photos and videos) https://www.cruisehabit.com/celebrity-updates-entire-fleet-inspirations-edge-celebrity-revolution-begins Celebrity Edge https://www.cruisehabit.com/tags/celebrity-edge Celebrity Reflection Live Blog https://www.cruisehabit.com/celebrity-reflection-live-blog-embarkation-day