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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.
76 Episodes
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Planning a cruise to Roatan, Honduras and thinking about booking a day at Little French Key? Before you do, watch this! From fake booking websites and legal drama to what’s actually included in your day pass, this is your complete Little French Key review and booking guide. Here's how to book safely, as well as my honest review.
Ever gotten your bag flagged at cruise embarkation and thought, “Wait, what did I even pack?” Let’s talk about the ever-growing list of banned cruise items, and some of them will absolutely surprise you.
What do cruise controversies, a glacier flood, and a 2 a.m. chicken tender brawl have in common? This week’s cruise news, that’s what. Plus, Royal Caribbean’s $600M Mexico project sparks outrage with over 200,000 people demanding it be stopped.
Celebration Key honest review: https://youtu.be/p0rHZNejWcQ?si=PTGglFaLDVs-IOPi
Best Travel Insurance for Your Cruise: https://www.profmelissa.com/travelinsurance
Can a cruise line win you back after your worst experience ever? Here's my honest take on MSC and comprehensive review of MSC World America
My top recommendation for casino comp matching programs is URComped, sign up here:
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Guide to FREE casino cruises:https://www.profmelissa.com/blog/casino
Another wild week at sea, my favorite cruiseline is back in the headlines with a viral dockside brawl, Royal Caribbean’s record-breaking slide cracks mid-ride, and a musical legend backs out as godmother of Star of the Seas. But there’s good news too: Carnival’s has a NEW megaship open for booking, another Carnival big ship is getting shorter sailings, and MSC is going all-in on Miami.
Celebration Key or Celebration Fee? Here's my honest take on Carnival’s brand-new $600 million Celebration Key. In this video, we'll explore the great things about this new island paradise, but also the things to be mindful of.
What happens when a dream vacation turns into chaos? In this episode, we’ll fall ship about the cruise news that’s been making waves. From a massive 30-person brawl at Royal Caribbean’s Coco Cay to a dangerous pool stunt gone wrong, we’ll break it all down
You step onto the ship ready to relax, but by the end of the cruise, your onboard bill is screaming louder than the sail-away party. Sound familiar? Let’s pull back the curtain on all the sneaky ways cruises drain your wallet. If you like cruising but don’t like wasting money, this is the episode you didn’t know you needed. Bring a notebook or your Notes app—you’ll want to keep track.
**FREE Casino Cruises** https://urcomped.com/Affiliate/LandingPage/60?src=profmelissa **Best Credit Card for Cruisers** https://www.capitalone.com/credit-cards/lp/referrals/?referralCode=9W5Y0T8W&customerName=Kelley&programCode=3014&pId=923812&oC=COFR58RSsw
Are cruise drink packages worth it, or are you just sipping your way into a spending spree? In this episode, I break down everything you need to know before saying “yes” to that unlimited drink deal. I'll discuss the cruise drink package hidden traps, like port day limitations and drink caps, you should absolutely consider before buying.
*Free Casino Cruising Guide* https://www.profmelissa.com/blog/casino
*Virgin Voyages Booking Link with Onboard Credit* https://www.profmelissa.com/offers/4LzjpDS9/checkout
From surprise drink package changes and ships moving ports, to drug arrests, stomach bugs, and even BED bugs, we break it all down in this week’s cruise update. I share honest thoughts, helpful tips, and talk ship about that new cruise documentary on Netflix making waves.
** Learn about Travel Insurance** https://www.profmelissa.com/travelinsurance
Paradise Beach has long been a favorite Cozumel all-inclusive beach club for cruisers, but is it still worth the hype in 2025?
I've been many, many times and I'll share my honest take bout why this became my favorite beach club in Cozumel, but.... that opinion has started to change a bit (spoiler: it’s getting crowded). I also discuss some of the other best beach clubs in Cozumel like Mr. Sancho’s, Nachi Cocom, and Iberostar.
Paradise Beach: Book Now
Mr. Sancho’s: Book Now
Iberostar Resort Cozumel: Book Now
Would you skip supporting local businesses for a day in a mega-resort with lazy rivers and infinity pools? Royal Caribbean’s $600 million “Perfect Day Mexico” project has locals in Costa Maya worried and cruisers buzzing.
This week, we unpack that development, Carnival's growing controversies over speaker bans and music choices, leading to charges of cultural targeting, and a heartbreaking story of a cruise passenger who lost his wife.
Is Carnival Cruise Line just a floating party or something more? Although this cruise line has been testing my nerves lately with their VIFP changes, let's talk about why it’s still my favorite cruise line. While I love it Carnival, though, it's not for everyone.
**FREE Casino Cruise Guide** https://urcomped.com/Affiliate/LandingPage/60?src=profmelissa
What’s really going on with pineapples, magnets, and whispers on cruise ships? I talked with a cruising couple who live the lifestyle, and they’re clearing up the myths. From secret Facebook groups to strict boundaries and real relationship rules, this honest chat reveals what most people get totally wrong.
What if your next beach day in Cozumel could feel more like a serene resort getaway than a crowded club? Let's talk about Iberostar, a lesser-known, all-inclusive resort that’s quickly become a top choice.
Book Iberostar: https://www.resortforaday.com/iberostar-resort-cozumel/?Click=96370
My recommended Analog clock keychain https://www.amazon.com/shop/dr_melissa_newman/photo/amzn1.shoppablemedia.v1.8fa48197-a2c2-41df-a8b2-53fc0172f8bf?ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_aipsfphoto_CXEKDJ2JY0NBTHHR5E54_1
My Favorite Travel Credit Card: https://www.capitalone.com/credit-cards/lp/referrals/?referralCode=XN19DU4F&customerName=Melissa&programCode=3014&pId=923812&oC=COFR58RSsw
Carnival just changed its loyalty program, and loyal cruisers are not happy. If you’ve spent years racking up nights to hit Platinum or Diamond, you might be in for a shock. It’s all about spending now. Plus, Mexico’s added a sneaky new tax, private islands are charging $20 for pool noodles, and drink packages aren’t working where they should. Oh, and a 5-year-old went overboard on Disney. She’s okay, but the story is wild. We’re breaking it all down: what’s changing, what’s fair, and what might make you rethink your next cruise.
Tired of hearing how awful Nassau is? Crowded beaches, aggressive vendors, nothing to do? Let’s clear that up. Breezes Bahamas is my favorite spot in Nassau, it’s all-inclusive, super chill, adults-only, and actually a great deal. I’ll break down what makes it special, how to get there, what to expect, and why this low-key resort keeps me coming back. If you’ve ever thought Nassau isn’t worth getting off the ship for, this might just change your mind.
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** Breezes Booking link** https://www.resortforaday.com/breezes-resort-nassau/?Click=96370
** Learn about Travel Insurance** https://www.profmelissa.com/travelinsurance
** Nassau Private driver recommendation** https://www.profmelissa.com/drivers
1Think cruises are boring, too expensive, or just for retirees? Or maybe you’re not sure what’s included and what’s going to cost extra? You’ll get all that here! I’m breaking down the five biggest lies people believe about cruising, from “it’s only for old people” to “everything’s included.” I’ll share what’s true, what costs can sneak up on you, and why cruising might just be your new favorite way to travel.
Tips on how to get FREE casino cruises: https://youtu.be/hN1JkeEGHpc
Learn about Travel Insurance: https://www.profmelissa.com/travelinsurance
Book smart with me (for free!): https://www.profmelissa.com/travelagent
Is cruising still safe? Or are the headlines about cruise crime, ship mishaps, and onboard brawls starting to raise real red flags? In this episode, I’m breaking down the latest cruise chaos—from a scary glass-shattering moment on Royal Caribbean, to a wild fight on Carnival, to a passenger literally falling into the ocean.
Plus, I’ll share what’s behind the cruise crime spike and the new Netflix doc about the infamous “poop cruise.” Here’s what’s really going on at sea... and why I still keep cruising.
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Travel Insurance Guide: https://www.profmelissa.com/travelinsurance
Curious if Holland America Line is actually worth it, or just a cruise for seniors? Or maybe you’re wondering what makes it different from lines like Carnival or Royal Caribbean? You’ll get all that here!
This is my honest review of Holland America, including what I love, like the calm vibe, amazing food, and unique itineraries, and what I don’t, like the weak entertainment and limited kid options.
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Download the FREE cruise packing guide: https://profmelissa.com/subscribe
Port Guide:https://profmelissa.mykajabi.com/guides
Tips on how to get FREE casino cruises: https://youtu.be/hN1JkeEGHpc
Check out this Baltic Cruise: https://youtu.be/mPc4mH0r9F8
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