Cruise Radio: Weekly Cruise News & Travel Tips

Richard Sims, staff writer who tracks cruise incidents and industry news, joins to unpack dramatic man-overboard rescues, a Carnival IT outage, and Royal Caribbean shareholder and policy updates. They also review Odyssey of the Seas: embarkation, dining, entertainment, casino layout, Royal Beach Club in Nassau, and New Year’s Eve celebrations. Practical tips for first-time Quantum-class cruisers are sprinkled throughout.

Richard Sims, a longtime cruise news writer, shares industry updates and commentary. He covers Rome's Trevi Fountain fee, a jazz musician's death aboard Celebrity Summit, and PortMiami drug arrests. He also reviews Pride of America: Hawaii itineraries, onboard dining, excursions like snorkeling with turtles and volcano visits, plus logistics like embarkation and ship refurbishments.

Richard Simms, a Cruise Radio staff writer who covers itinerary and port updates, joins to discuss major cruise headlines. They cover overnight stays at Great Stirrup Cay, Winter Storm Fern disruptions, Norwegian's new arrival rule, MSC’s Freeport plans, Scenic Eclipse ice assistance, Carnival labor disputes, and a hands-on review of Royal Caribbean’s Star of the Seas with family-focused features.

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.

Ralph shares his highlights from a seven-night cruise on MSC Grandiosa, emphasizing the ship’s blend of European and Latin influences. He discusses the embarkation experience, cabin comfort, and various dining venues, including critiques of the layout and service. Entertainment shines with standout live music and Cirque-style shows, although some elements fell flat. Ocean Cay Marine Reserve earns praise as a favorite private island. Practical tips are provided for future cruisers, emphasizing the importance of utilizing the app for bookings.

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.