Cruise Radio: Weekly Cruise News & Travel Tips

A review of Margaritaville at Sea Islander. This is the new cruise ship from the late Jimmy Buffett's successful Margaritaville brand. Doug Parker and staff writer Richard Simms discuss the week's top news stories, including a woman who got an expensive bill from the infirmary after she got seasick, a cruise ship getting seized in Italy for being too dirty, a world cruise delayed for the fourth time, Greece looking to cap cruise passengers, and the SS United States getting evicted from its pier in Philadelphia. Follow Cruise Radio's Socials: LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook | YouTube | Twitter | Patreon

This week's show Doug and Richard Simms have cruise news on the woman who got banned from Carnival Cruise Line for refilling water bottles, an Alaska cruise port trying to limit passengers even more, Carnival pulling back the $25 slot play credit on the VIFP program, Disney Cruise Line's new private island Lookout Cay, and initial thoughts of Margaritaville at Sea Islander out of Tampa. We get a review of a seven-night cruise to Southeast Alaska on Holland America Line's ms Koningsdam out of Vancouver. This went to Juneau, Skagway, Glacier Bay National Park, and Ketchikan, Alaska. Follow Cruise Radio's Socials: LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook | YouTube | Twitter | Patreon

The latest cruise industry news includes Carnival Cruise Line absorbing P&O Cruises Australia, the Villa Vie Odyssey world cruise facing a third delay this week, an Alaska cruise port is set to limit cruise passengers in 2026, refunding a Carnival cruise, and the story of a teen who left his parents on a Caribbean island because they wouldn't stop shopping. We also cover the major renovation of Norwegian Cruise Line's Norwegian Joy in early 2024. Joining us is Chris Gray Faust, Executive Editor of CruiseCritic.com, who shares her insights from her recent Bermuda cruise on the newly refurbished NCL Joy. Chris discusses her experience and highlights the new features, including a revamped thermal suite, an expanded Vibe Beach Club, new cabins in the Observation Lounge, and solo staterooms. Follow Cruise Radio's Socials: LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook | YouTube | Twitter | Patreon

In this Cruise Radio episode, Doug Parker talked with Kevin about his five-night Royal Caribbean cruise on Mariner of the Seas. Kevin detailed the embarkation, his stateroom, and dining experiences, including the Windjammer marketplace and free options like Sorrento pizza. They enjoyed Cozumel and CocoCay, although a balloon excursion on Perfect Day was canceled due to wind. Kevin was impressed with the easy departure process with facial recognition and gave tips for first-time cruisers. Follow Cruise Radio's Socials: LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook | YouTube | Twitter | Patreon

In this episode of Cruise Radio, Doug Parker and Richard Simms shared their experiences and insights on Carnival Firenze. They started with embarkation stories on the Carnival Firenze and discussed the ship's design and amenities. They also covered dining options, detailing the variety of food available on board, from the Italian restaurant and teppanyaki to Fahrenheit 555 Steakhouse. Entertainment was also a topic, with mentions of shows and trivia games. The episode included tales from ports of call like Puerto Vallarta and Cabo, and ended the intereview with a conversation about drink packages and the benefits of VIP status. Follow Cruise Radio's Socials: LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook | YouTube | Twitter | Patreon

In this episode of Cruise Radio, host Doug Parker welcomed guest Craig, who recounted his seven-night journey on Princess Cruises' Caribbean Princess. He detailed his onboard experiences, including exceptional dining at a seafood restaurant, entertainment from shows to comedy acts, and the lively music scene across the ship's bars. He shared his casino visits, the relaxed sea days with activities like art auctions, and the engaging kids' programs. Craig also talked about the port stops in Princess Cays, San Juan, and Saint Thomas. Follow Cruise Radio's Socials: LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook | YouTube | Twitter | Patreon

Kurt and his wife did a back-to-back cruise on Royal Caribbean's Explorer of the Seas in the Mediterranean last fall. Follow Cruise Radio's Socials: LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook | YouTube | Twitter | Patreon

A review of an eight night Key West and Bahamas cruise on Carnival Glory from New Orleans. Staff writer Richard Simms has cruise news. Follow Cruise Radio's Socials: LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook | YouTube | Twitter | Patreon

Daniel reviews MSC Cruises's ship Meraviglia, which is homeported in Brooklyn, New York City, and sails Caribbean and Bahamas cruises. This is MSC Cruises' first ship that sails year-round from New York City. Follow Cruise Radio's Socials: LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook | YouTube | Twitter | Patreon

Experience a review of a luxurious suite aboard Royal Caribbean's Oasis of the Seas, with insights on exclusive amenities, dining options, and entertainment experiences. Explore the debarkation process at Port Miami and get tips for cruising with young children. Reflect on the overall experience of traveling with kids on a cruise ship and the importance of cleanliness and child-friendly activities.