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Welcome to Professor Melissa's Cruise Pod, your go-to guide for everything cruising! Tune in for top tips, savvy hacks, advice, and stories from a cruise enthusiast who’s been there and done it all (well, not "all", but a lot!). Whether you're planning your first voyage or looking to elevate your next trip... or, if you just love everything cruise-related, subscribe and tune in to the Cruise Pod.
101 Episodes
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Carnival is now all-in on adults-only cruises after an unexpectedly huge demand, even adding transatlantic options. Meanwhile, MSC and Royal Caribbean are building bigger ships with fewer people to make cruising feel more spacious. Plus, Norwegian suddenly drops a popular Caribbean port, and new details emerge in a heartbreaking case on board Carnival Horizon. There's a lot to unpack, and it could affect your next sailing.
Why do we become totally different people the moment we step on a cruise ship?
From cheering on pier runners like they’re Olympic athletes to hunting rubber ducks like buried treasure, cruising turns ordinary adults into playful, sometimes goofy adventurers. This episode uncovers the fascinating psychology behind the most beloved (and bizarre) cruise ship traditions, from towel animals to cabin door magnets, and yes, even those sneaky pineapples with secret meanings.
What happens when a cruise ship serves someone 33 drinks in one afternoon, and he ends up dead?
This week, Melissa breaks down the shocking wrongful death lawsuit against Royal Caribbean that’s shaking up the cruise industry. Plus, a viral video shows a passenger punching a lifeguard on Icon of the Seas, and Carnival's big move in Ensenada could change that port's reputation. And if you're loyal to another brand, Virgin Voyages has a new status match perk you won’t want to miss.
Cruisers are facing new costs as Carnival raises service charges again, while a showdown between Port Canaveral and Port Miami is reshaping Florida cruising. Melissa breaks down what this means for travelers, plus the latest disturbing turn in the Ana Kepner case. We also touch on Royal Caribbean’s return to Jamaica, Virgin Voyages’ pricey Alaska pass, canceled cruises, Galveston delays, and a new home port opening in Philadelphia.
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**St. Lucia Port Guide** https://www.profmelissa.com/blog/stlucia
**Norfolk Port Guide** https://www.profmelissa.com/blog/norfolk
From a passenger vanishing mid tour in St. Martin to a violent week onboard multiple cruise lines, this episode breaks down the cruise stories everyone is talking about. With port attacks, teen club assaults, shipboard fights, construction setbacks, and a major policy change from Royal Caribbean, it is a whirlwind of updates, warnings, and real talk about what is happening across the cruise industry right now.
Think Atlantis is the only waterpark worth your cruise dollars in Nassau? Think again. Melissa just got back from Baha Bay at Baha Mar and spills the truth about what’s included, what’s missing, and if it’s actually worth the sky-high price. From gorgeous pools and short wait times to unexpected towel fees and underwhelming service, she shares the real pros and cons of this resort day pass. Plus, she gives you smarter alternatives like Breezes, British Colonial, and Margaritaville that may be a better fit for your style—or budget. Before you book, listen to this!
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Think Port Miami is all parties and chaos? Think again. Melissa shares smart, budget-friendly tips to help you cruise out of Miami like a pro. Learn how to score cheaper flights, skip overpriced transfers, pick the right hotel (including the only one with a free cruise shuttle), and make the most of your pre- or post-cruise time. Whether you're flying, driving, or cruising with a crowd, these tips will save you time, money, and stress without skimping on fun.
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**Miami Cruise Port Guide** https://www.profmelissa.com/blog/miami
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How safe are cruise ships really? From a lifeboat crashing into the ocean to a tragic death onboard Carnival Horizon, this episode covers the cruise stories that have everyone talking. With banned items on Disney, a passenger kicked off Royal Caribbean, and a loyalty program backlash, it’s a whirlwind of emotions, warnings, and real talk about what’s really happening at sea.
How safe are cruise ships, really? A shocking and heartbreaking story out of the Carnival Horizon has the cruise world reeling, as the FBI investigates the suspicious death of an 18-year-old guest during a Western Caribbean sailing. This episode also takes a serious look at a disturbing bed bug lawsuit, cruise ship mold complaints, and the growing demand for adults-only voyages. Plus, a viral livestreamer brawl led to real consequences at sea. If you cruise, or plan to, this is a must-listen.
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Are you overpaying for Alaska cruise excursions? Many travelers spend double or triple on tours, without realizing that in ports like Ketchikan, Juneau, and Skagway, some of the best experiences are free or just steps from the ship. This episode breaks down where to splurge and where to skip, the biggest packing mistakes (spoiler: ditch the heavy coat), how Alaska’s long daylight messes with your sleep, and tips for saving money on everything from glacier visits to unique souvenirs.
Did you know the biggest mistake cruisers make at CocoCay happens before they even leave the ship? With over 140 acres to explore, showing up without a plan can cost you precious hours wandering in the heat. Learn which areas are free, which ones are worth paying for, and the key food spots that most people overlook. Whether you want to chill with a book, splash with the kids, or sip drinks in an infinity pool, this guide helps you pick the perfect zone for your perfect day.
Could your cruise leave you behind? A devastating incident involving an 80-year-old solo traveler sparks serious concerns about safety and cruise accountability. We also look at Royal Caribbean’s bold move in Santorini that’s facing major local pushback, big changes to cruise loyalty programs, weather chaos from Hurricane Melissa, and an oil spill that shut down Galveston. Cruise demand is soaring—but at what cost?
Has Carnival Cruise Line lost its value or has it changed too much? In this episode, we take a hard look at what cruising with Carnival really means in 2025. From rising drink package costs to new rules that change the party vibe, plus surprise port swaps and a loyalty program overhaul, you’ll hear how these updates are impacting the cruise experience and your wallet. If you’re thinking about booking (or rebooking) with Carnival, this honest breakdown will help you decide if it’s still the right choice.
Is cruising turning into a costly headache instead of a relaxing escape? In this week’s episode, Melissa shares a heartbreaking overboard incident on Norwegian Jewel and questions cruise ship safety tech. She also breaks down a troubling report from a Disney Dream cruise where a child fell overboard, and the real story behind it.
You’ll also hear about teens risking their lives on Royal Caribbean, Norwegian’s new $5 entrée fee, and drink packages that stop working on private islands. But it’s not all bad news, Melissa also highlights fun cruise trends like the Mrs. Roper dress-up craze and a new Icon class ship heading to Galveston. Real talk, real stories, from the cruise world you love.
**Travel Insurance for Cruisers** https://www.profmelissa.com/travelinsurance
Think cruising is just about buffets and beach chairs? Think again. Let me reveal the biggest mistakes new cruisers make, and how to avoid them so your trip feels like a breeze, not a disaster.
Think small cruise ports are forgettable? Think again. Let’s talk about why Norfolk, Virginia completely surprised me, and why I almost skipped it. From scenic sailaways past Navy ships to a cruise terminal located right in the heart of downtown, Norfolk offers charm, convenience, and serious cruise perks that even big ports can't beat.
Why do so many cruisers call Seattle the best port in the country? Let's talk about all the must-know info about cruising from Seattle. I talk about the two very different cruise terminals, how to get to and from them easily (and affordably), and my all-time favorite travel hack: Seattle’s free Port Valet luggage service. And yes, I answer the big question: Does it really rain all the time?
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Booked the Bahamas and ended up in Canada? Well, that’s just the start. This week’s cruise chaos includes Carnival’s loyalty backlash walkback (sort of), a Reddit blow-up over SeaPass card storage, cruisers mad about port changes, the impact of the government shutdown on cruising, and a norovirus outbreak on Royal Caribbean. It’s safe to say, this week’s cruise news is nothing short of wild.
What if the secret to enjoying Bermuda isn’t the beaches or excursions, but knowing how to actually get around? Let's talk ship about Bermuda, including its ferry system some cruisers overlook, top things to do in Bermuda, overnight calls, and deciding whether that “pink sand” is really pink.
What would make someone walk off a cruise ship and never come back? This week, we’ll discuss a chilling case where a woman voluntarily disappeared in Bonaire, echoing haunting stories like Amy Bradley's. From mysterious vanishings to rubber duck mischief, cruise ship thrill ride accidents, and even a big threat over a lost casino bet, this episode is packed with the unexpected.
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