Cruise Conversations Podcast

Is Royal Caribbean's Legend of the Seas worth the higher price, or is the newest Icon Class ship just another overhyped cruise experience?This week on Cruise Conversations, Michael and Frank are back for a discussion about Legend of the Seas, Royal Caribbean's newest ship, and whether the extra cost of sailing on an Icon Class ship is actually worth it.With Legend commanding a premium over Icon of the Seas and Royal Caribbean's Oasis Class ships, we're breaking down what makes these massive ships different, which features justify the price, and who might be better off booking a less expensive cruise.In this episode, we cover:The latest cruise news, including Holland America's new Half Moon Cay beach club, Princess Cruises' Sanctuary Collection expansion, Norwegian Bella, and Royal Caribbean's upcoming European itinerariesLegend of the Seas vs. Icon and Oasis Class, including pricing differences, ship design, crowds, and overall valueWhat's new on Legend of the Seas, including Royal Railway's Silk Road experience, Hollywood Supper Club, and Charlie and the Chocolate FactoryOur Icon Class fantasy draft, choosing our favorite restaurants, bars, pools, and entertainment to build our ideal cruise shipFrank's upcoming 3-night Legend of the Seas preview cruise, including his plans for dining, entertainment, and exploring the shipWe also share two different perspectives on Royal Caribbean's Icon Class. Michael discusses which features he's most excited to experience as someone who hasn't sailed this class yet, while Frank shares his firsthand thoughts after sailing both Icon of the Seas and Star of the Seas.From the AquaDome Market and Royal Promenade to the adults-only pools, complimentary dining, and Broadway-style entertainment, we discuss whether these additions make Legend worth the premium or if Oasis Class still offers better value.Plus, Frank previews his upcoming sailing from Fort Lauderdale, where he'll have just 72 hours to experience as much of Legend of the Seas as possible!Whether you're considering Legend of the Seas, comparing Icon Class vs. Oasis Class, or trying to find the best value for your next Royal Caribbean cruise, this episode will help you decide where your cruise budget is best spent.🎧 Listen now and let us know: Would you pay extra to sail on Legend of the Seas, or would you rather save money on an older Royal Caribbean ship?Ready to book a cruise with Cruise Conversations?Check out our special Royal Caribbean GROUP RATES (Two people per room)Fill out our booking form or text us at (704) 313-8556 for the latest pricing!Check out our website: https://www.cruiseconversationspodcast.comUse code CC15 for 15% off your order at The Cruise Maps.Interested in coming on a future episode to recap your cruise? Fill out our guest form.Have a question or topic suggestion? DM us on Instagram @CruiseConversations or email [email protected] along on social media!Facebook | Instagram | TikTok

Episode 176This week on Cruise Conversations, Dayna and Graham from The Davises Travel return to the podcast to recap their recent 3-night Bahamas cruise aboard Royal Caribbean's Wonder of the Seas!Sailing round-trip from Miami over Labor Day weekend, the couple returned to one of their favorite Oasis Class ships for a quick getaway, with stops at Perfect Day at CocoCay and Nassau, Bahamas.From a relaxing day at the Coco Beach Club that included an unexpected jellyfish sting to a stormy visit to the Royal Beach Club in Nassau, this short cruise was anything but uneventful! But is three nights really enough time to enjoy everything Wonder of the Seas has to offer?In this episode, we cover:A full Wonder of the Seas review and whether a 3-night cruise is worth itSailing from Miami, including priority embarkation with the Royal One Plus credit cardVisiting Coco Beach Club at Perfect Day at CocoCay, including pricing, dining, and an unexpected wildlife encounterA stormy day at the Royal Beach Club in Nassau, including the pools, drinks, and concerns about lightning safetyDining and entertainment aboard Wonder, including the Main Dining Room, Mason Jar, and onboard showsRoyal Caribbean's Diamond loyalty benefits, drink vouchers, Wi-Fi perks, and whether skipping the drink package was a mistakeTips for choosing a cabin, navigating disembarkation in Miami, and making the most of a short cruiseBack onboard, Dayna and Graham share their thoughts on Wonder of the Seas, including their guaranteed interior cabin, favorite dining spots, entertainment, and the service they experienced throughout the sailing. They also discuss how the ship has held up since their previous cruise and why Oasis Class ships remain some of their favorites.We also dive into whether the Royal One Plus credit card is worth its annual fee, how to maximize Crown & Anchor Diamond benefits, and why the couple plans to return to purchasing Royal Caribbean's drink package on future sailings.Plus, Dayna and Graham give us a preview of their upcoming 8-night sailing aboard Legend of the Seas, where they'll explore Aruba, Curaçao, and Perfect Day at CocoCay!Whether you're planning a weekend cruise on Wonder of the Seas, comparing Royal Caribbean's beach clubs in the Bahamas, or looking for ways to get more value out of your next cruise, this episode is packed with firsthand experiences, helpful tips, and plenty of laughs!🎧 Listen now and let us know: Would you book a 3-night cruise on an Oasis Class ship, or do you need a full week to experience everything onboard?Ready to book a cruise with Cruise Conversations?Fill out our booking form or text us at (704) 313-8556 for the latest pricing!Check out our website: https://www.cruiseconversationspodcast.comUse code CC15 for 15% off your order at The Cruise Maps.Interested in coming on a future episode to recap your cruise? Fill out our guest form.Have a question or topic suggestion? DM us on Instagram @CruiseConversations or email [email protected] along on social media!Facebook | Instagram | TikTok

Episode 175This week on Cruise Conversations, Casey Hogan returns to share his recent 7-night Bahamas cruise aboard Carnival Liberty, sailing round-trip from New Orleans, Louisiana!After previously joining us to review Carnival Jubilee, Casey is back to talk about a very different Carnival experience. This time, he and his family traded the newer Excel Class ships for the classic Conquest Class Carnival Liberty, with stops in Key West, Celebration Key, and Nassau.In this episode, we cover:A full Carnival Liberty review, including recent upgrades, ship layout, dining, and serviceCruising from New Orleans, including embarkation and sailing down the Mississippi RiverA beach day in Key West and Casey's first visit to Celebration KeyVisiting the British Colonial in Nassau and whether its day pass is worth itCruising with young kids, Camp Ocean, WaterWorks, and Carnival's family-friendly activitiesCasey shares what it's like returning to an older Carnival ship after sailing on Carnival Jubilee, including the additions made during Liberty's recent dry dock. From the expanded WaterWorks area and Heroes Tribute Sports Bar to the ship's classic design, we discuss what still holds up and what Casey missed about Carnival's newer ships.We also dive into the family's three port days, including a hidden beach spot in Key West, the massive pools and food trucks at Celebration Key, and a convenient beach day at the British Colonial in Nassau.Back onboard, Casey shares his thoughts on Carnival's main dining room, Bagels at Sea, the Alchemy Bar, Camp Ocean, and some lesser-known tips for getting the most out of your cruise, including ordering food directly to your location through the Carnival app!Whether you're considering Carnival Liberty, planning a Bahamas cruise from New Orleans, or looking for tips on cruising with kids, this episode is packed with firsthand experiences, recommendations, and honest opinions about Carnival's older ships.🎧 Listen now and let us know: Do you prefer Carnival's classic ships or the newer Excel Class ships?Ready to book a cruise with Cruise Conversations?Fill out our booking form or text us at (704) 313-8556 for the latest pricing!Check out our website: https://www.cruiseconversationspodcast.comUse code CC15 for 15% off your order at The Cruise Maps.Interested in coming on a future episode to recap your cruise? Fill out our guest form.Have a question or topic suggestion? DM us on Instagram @CruiseConversations or email [email protected] along on social media!Facebook | Instagram | TikTok

This week on Cruise Conversations, Jeremy, aka The Cruising Bear, returns to share his latest 7-night Western Caribbean cruise aboard Carnival Jubilee!Sailing round-trip from Galveston, Texas, Jeremy traveled with a group of friends and family, including several first-time cruisers and others experiencing Carnival for the first time. With stops in Roatán, Costa Maya, and Cozumel, this sailing offered a mix of beach days, relaxation, and plenty of time enjoying everything Carnival's Excel Class has to offer.In this episode, we cover:A full Carnival Jubilee review, including ship layout, crowds, entertainment, and serviceExploring the new Isla Tropicale pool area in Roatán, formerly Mahogany BayChanges at the Costa Maya cruise port and a beach club day at Mr. Sanchos in CozumelDining aboard Jubilee, including BlueIguana Cantina, Guy's Burger Joint, Chibang!, Cucina del Capitano, and Bonsai SushiCarnival's casino offers, drink packages, Wi-Fi, and tips for cruising with a groupOne of the highlights of this sailing was seeing Carnival Jubilee through the eyes of first-time cruisers. Jeremy shares how his group adjusted to the massive ship, what they thought of the dining and entertainment, and why several are already discussing another cruise together.We also dive into the newly expanded pool area at Isla Tropicale, what's changing at Costa Maya, and why Mr. Sanchos remains a popular all-inclusive beach club in Cozumel. Back onboard, Jeremy discusses his favorite bars, live music, casino experiences, and why Bonsai Sushi might be one of Carnival's most underrated specialty dining options.Whether you're planning your first Carnival cruise, considering Carnival Jubilee from Galveston, or looking for tips on a Western Caribbean itinerary, this episode is packed with firsthand experiences and helpful insights!🎧 Listen now and let us know: What's your favorite Carnival Excel Class dining venue?Ready to book a cruise with Cruise Conversations?Fill out our booking form or text us at (704) 313-8556 for the latest pricing!Check out our website: https://www.cruiseconversationspodcast.comUse code CC15 for 15% off your order at The Cruise Maps.Interested in coming on a future episode to recap your cruise? Fill out our guest form.Have a question or topic suggestion? DM us on Instagram @CruiseConversations or email [email protected] along on social media!Facebook | Instagram | TikTok

Episode 173This week on Cruise Conversations, Steven, Carly, and Theo return to share their recent 7-night Alaska cruise aboard Royal Caribbean's Anthem of the Seas!Sailing round-trip from Seattle, the family experienced Alaska for the first time, visiting Ketchikan, Sitka, and Juneau, cruising through Endicott Arm to Dawes Glacier, and stopping in Victoria, British Columbia. From incredible scenery and wildlife encounters to memorable excursions, this was a family vacation unlike their previous Caribbean cruises.In this episode, we cover:A full Anthem of the Seas Alaska review, including dining, entertainment, and family activitiesExploring Ketchikan, from a scenic hike to Creek Street, salmon sightings, and the Lumberjack ShowOcean kayaking in Sitka and exploring the totem pole parkCruising Endicott Arm to Dawes Glacier and visiting Mendenhall Glacier and Nugget Falls in JuneauTips for planning an Alaska cruise, including excursions, balcony cabins, and packingOne of the biggest highlights was an early morning sailing through Endicott Arm, surrounded by mountains, waterfalls, and icebergs. Despite fog nearly preventing the ship from entering, the family was fortunate enough to experience Dawes Glacier.Back onboard, Steven, Carly, and Theo review Anthem of the Seas and Royal Caribbean's Quantum Class, including how it compares to Oasis Class ships. We discuss the SeaPlex, bumper cars, laser tag, entertainment, dining, and why Alaska cruising offers a different atmosphere from the Caribbean.Whether you're planning your first Alaska cruise, considering Anthem of the Seas, or looking for family-friendly excursions, this episode is packed with firsthand experiences and helpful tips!🎧 Listen now and let us know: Would you choose a round-trip Alaska cruise from Seattle or a one-way sailing?Ready to book a cruise with Cruise Conversations?Fill out our booking form or text us at (704) 313-8556 for the latest pricing!Check out our website: https://www.cruiseconversationspodcast.comUse code CC15 for 15% off your order at The Cruise Maps.Interested in coming on a future episode to recap your cruise? Fill out our guest form.Have a question or topic suggestion? DM us on Instagram @CruiseConversations or email [email protected] along on social media!Facebook | Instagram | TikTok