Cruise Radio: Weekly Cruise News & Travel Tips

We talk with Carnival Cruise Line brand ambassador John Heald about the newest cruise ship Carnival Horizon, ask him some of your questions and find out what's new. Sherry Kennedy has cruise news on: Carnival Cruise Line extends contract with Florida port Longest cruise in the world happening in 2019 Alaska cruise season is officially underway Listener Q: How do you call home when in cruise ports? Thoughts or questions? Email me: [email protected] More cruise news and insight at www.cruiseradio.net.

We get a review of Carnival Horizon. Carnival Horizon is the newest and largest ship of Carnival Cruise Line. Debuting in April 2018, Horizon has 16 dining options and over a dozen bars to choose from. Plus, a lot of activities inside and out. Be sure to check out our trip reports from the journey. Read all of them here. Questions or comments? Email me: [email protected]

This week we get a review of MSC Meraviglia, a ship that was introduced by MSC Cruises in 2016. Dr. Kris gives us a comprehensive review of the ship, his thoughts on the layout, the ports of call, and how the service was sailing MSC Cruises in the western Mediterranean. Sherry Kennedy has cruise news on: A cruise ship hitting the pier in Honduras Norwegian Cruise Line's Bliss being delivered Carnival Cruise Line cutting back on the use of straws Listener Question: The best way to stay in touch with family when docking in port. Thoughts or comments? Email: [email protected] More cruise industry news and insight at www.cruiseradio.net.

On this week's episode of Cruise Radio, we are broadcasting straight from Carnival Cruise Line's newest ship, Carnival Horizon. We discuss Horizon's differences from Carnival Vista and the new barbecue smokehouse and brewhouse onboard with Carnival's president Christine Duffy. Eddie Allen, the Vice President of Beverage Operations joins us to talk about the brewery onboard, as well as some of Carnival's most popular cocktails. Chris Owen from Chris Cruises also stops by to discuss his first impressions of the ship and help answer some listener questions. Follow Cruise Radio's Socials: LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook | YouTube | Twitter | Patreon

On this bonus episode, we get a review from Joe on his 12-night Baltic cruise on Holland America's Zuiderdam. Plus we answer some of your shore excursion questions. Thoughts or comments? Email me: [email protected] In-depth cruise industry news and coverage at https://cruiseradio.net.

Chris recently returned from a five-night Western Caribbean cruise aboard the newly refurbished Disney Magic. We chat about Marvel Days at Sea, the newly refurbished ship, and her overall thoughts on this Disney Cruise Line ship. Sherry has cruise news on: Norwegian Cruise Line is giving guests a free cruise after the ship was a construction zone during a recent repositioning cruise. Carnival Cruise Line is adding a new late night menu to their newest ship, Carnival Horizon. Carnival Cruise Line is adding more sailings to Cuba from Tampa and Miami. Florida cruise port shatters passengers record. Listener Question: My husband and I are divorced and I want to take my son on a cruise for his 14th birthday. His father was cool with him going, and is now is being a jerk and saying he won't sign for him to go. Do you have any suggestions or is there a way around this? Thoughts or reviews? Email me: [email protected] Find cruise news and industry insights at https://cruiseradio.net.

We get a review of the newly refurbished Carnival Elation. In fall 2017, the ship underwent a massive refurbishment that added close to 100 balcony staterooms, Vista Suites, a Guy's Burger Joint, BlueIguana Cantina, and other Fun Ship enhancements. Sherry has cruise news on: Carnival Horizon is officially on her first cruise Royal Caribbean has tightened up their cancellation policy A girl claims she was booted off Disney Cruise Line Listener Question: My husband and I are cruising this summer and are debt free. We have one credit card but it's only for emergencies. I'm reading where the cruise line puts a hold on debit cards on embarkation day. Is there another option instead of handing over my bank card? Shannon - Johnsontown, PA Thoughts or review? Email me: [email protected]

We get a review of Norwegian Cruise Line's Norwegian Pearl on a cruise out of New Orleans. Sherry has cruise news: World's Largest Cruise Ship is Delivered Royal Caribbean's $900M Royal Amplify program Carnival Paradise Completes Massive Makeover Carnival Cruise Line Adds Photo Packages Norwegian Encore is Open for Bookings Carnival Horizon is delivered Listener Question: I am booked on an upcoming Carnival cruise through reduced deposit promotion. Did a dummy booking and my cruise went down $125. I called Carnival and they could not find that price. What would you do?- Jean Questions or review? Email me: [email protected]

Hear a review of Celebrity Cruises' Celebrity Silhouette. A seven-night Eastern Caribbean sailing from Fort Lauderdale. Sherry has cruise news: The US State Department lifts the travel warning to Mexico Carnival Panorama announces West Coast itineraries Carnival raised Faster to the Fun prices Norwegian Cruise Line has hiked gratuities again Royal Caribbean announced a $200 million refurbishment to Coco Cay This cruise ship was cut in half and had a 49' centerpiece added to it Listener Question What happens to your luggage when they check it at the pier? Question or cruise review? Email me: [email protected] Follow Cruise Radio's Socials: LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook | YouTube | Twitter | Patreon

Jon gives us a review of his family's seven-night Bahamas cruise on Carnival Cruise Line's Carnival Pride from Baltimore. Sherry Kennedy has cruise news: Norwegian Cruise Line announces a new PortMiami terminal Virgin Cruises gives us more details on their upcoming ship Princess Cruises is testing their version of paid priority embarkation Disney Cruise Line details the look of their upcoming ships Listener Question: My husband don't want to get a passport. Help! Thoughts or suggestions? Email me: [email protected] Follow Cruise Radio's Socials: LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook | YouTube | Twitter | Patreon

We get a review of Princess Cruises Royal Princess. This was a 10-night Southern Caribbean itinerary out of Port Everglades. Simone from Cruising Excursions drops by to answer some of your listener questions on Baltic itineraries. Sherry Kennedy has cruise news: Cruise lines pull some excursions from the Cozumel itinerary. Details of the new Holland America food partnership. Carnival Horizon officially has a Godmother. Bahamas Paradise Cruises details their upcoming ship. Celebrity Cruises details new dining venues on the upcoming Celebrity Edge Question or comments? Email me: [email protected]

Tim and his wife just returned from a five-night sailing on Carnival Cruise Line's Carnival Liberty. Hear a review of this Bahamas cruise from Port Canaveral. Stewart has cruise news on: Recent updates to Princess Cays Carnival Cruise Line adding more Cuba sailings in 2019 Carnival Corporation's new WiFi hardware blows away competitors Cruise Awards Cruise Critic recently revealed their 2018 Cruiser's Choice awards. These awards are voted by members of the site's cruising community. Colleen McDaniel, Senior Executive Editor of CruiseCritic.com stops by to share a few of the winners with us. You can get a rundown of all the winners by clicking here. Listener Questions: What is the status of Princess Cruises' Ocean Medallion program? Why does every Carnival Cruise Line ship always stop in Nassau, Bahamas? Questions or comments? [email protected] Follow Cruise Radio's Socials: LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook | YouTube | Twitter | Patreon

Adam and his wife just returned from a seven-night Western Caribbean cruise on MSC Seaside. We get a bow to stern review on the newest cruise ship from MSC Cruises. He talks about what he liked and disliked on MSC Seaside. Thoughts or comments? [email protected]

We get a review of a Disney Cruise Line's Disney Magic. Stewart has cruise news on: Symphony of the Seas completes sea trials. What's next? NCL Bliss also floated out - details? What happened on Carnival Legend in AUS? Carnival is debuting three new shows on Horizon. Norwegian expanding Cuba cruises from Miami. Listener Q from Lori: Cruise newbie here. What is the best way to book the cruise? Travel agent? On their site? Or thru one of the discount cruise sites? Thoughts or questions? [email protected] Follow Cruise Radio's Socials: LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook | YouTube | Twitter | Patreon

We speak with Terry Thornton, VP Port Operations for Carnival Cruise Line, about what it took to get the Eastern Caribbean back operational after the 2017 hurricane season. Terry also touches on the 20 Carnival ships that are in the Caribbean, and plans for future itineraries. Writer Richard Simms just returned from a 10-night Eastern Caribbean cruise and he gives us an update from a cruise guest standpoint and his thoughts on the island. Thoughts or questions? [email protected]

On this episode, we hear a review of Enchantment of the Seas from Kathy, who took a 60 friends onboard for a three-night Bahamas sailing. She talks about the dining, her grand suite, the amenities onboard, and their surprise sea day. Sherry Has Cruise News On: Next Carnival newbuild heading to Long Beach, California Carnival is sending Splendor to Australia Royal Caribbean's Mariner of the Seas is heading back to America with some new enhancements New Holland America ship itineraries revealed Listener Question: What's the quickest way to disembark Oasis of the Seas? We are worried that it will be a mess with nearly 6,000 other cruisers trying to get off at the same time. - Phil, Tampa Questions or comments? [email protected]

We are broadcasting aboard Carnival Magic this week for John Heald's 11th Annual Blogger's Cruise. We ask John all the questions you sent in. Plus, we talk with two guests on the cruise about sailing the ship. Thoughts or questions? Email me: [email protected]

A lot of cruise ships have been making the news lately with failing USPH inspections. This week we had a chance to talk with CDR Aimee Treffiletti, Chief of the CDCs (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention), Vessel Sanitation Program. We get a behind the scenes look at the USPH inspections and what's involved when they make the unexpected appearance onboard the ship. Sherry Kennedy has cruise news on: Florida gets another Carnival ship Carnival responds to failed health inspections Norwegian Cruise Line celebrates a milestone on it's newest ship. Norwegian Getaway is changing her itinerary - why? Royal Caribbean is testing out a price increase at one venue Thoughts or comments? Email: [email protected]

We get a review of Norwegian Cruise Line's Norwegian Escape. Plus, Stewart has our weekly dose of cruise news and industry insight. Dan from TripInsurance.com answers questions on picking the right travel insurance policy. Stewart has cruise news on: Vista and Breeze fail USPH inspection. Jumper on Carnival Triumph Norwegian Epic heading to San Juan Cruise stock prices are on the rise! Celebrity Edge floats out Listener Question: Booking a future cruise and not knowing who you are going to bring. Thoughts or suggestions? Email me: doug@cruiseradio.

We get a Western Caribbean cruise review of Carnival Cruise Line's Carnival Breeze from Galveston. Sherry Kennedy has cruise news: Carnival charging for late-night room service and ditching debarkation day room service. Two cruise ships are heading to NYC in 2019 Celebrity Cruises is releasing Celebrity Edge ahead of schedule Star Princess gets a major refurb Listener Qs: What are the highlights of transiting the Panama Canal? - Nicholas, SD Will my travel agent get mad if I ask her to adjust my price drop? I know she makes her money on commission. I feel bad. - Cindy, CT Thoughts or comments? Email me: [email protected] Follow Cruise Radio's Socials: LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook | YouTube | Twitter | Patreon

Some brief thoughts on the Norwegian Breakaway sailing through the major 'bomb cyclone' winter storm in early January. We talk to ABC Action News Meteorologist Greg Dee to give us some insight on how powerful these winter storms can become at sea. Nick and his family just returned from the very first sailing on MSC Cruises' brand new MSC Seaside. Sherry Kennedy has cruise news on: Cruise executive paychecks revealed Cruise line paid $25M for 90-day FEMA charter Celebrity Cruises hikes gratuities on heels of Royal Caribbean hike MSC launching child finder application Listener Questions What to expect when staying on deck one. Do cruise lines gradually release staterooms or all at one time? Thoughts or comments? Email me: [email protected]

When the Norwegian Breakaway sailed through a winter storm, some passengers say things got rough. We speak to one of the people who just disembarked, as well as cruise expert Stewart Chiron, to find out if this was an unusual sailing or to be expected this time of year. What are your thoughts? Let us know: [email protected]

We talk with Terry Thornton, VP of Itinerary Planning with Carnival Cruise Line. He brings us behind the curtain and explains to us about cruise ship deployments, the new destination Carnival is building in Freeport, Bahamas, and where he would like to see a new cruise port open up. Also, I answer some follow up questions asked after our Carnival Vista interview last week. Thoughts or comments? Email me! [email protected]

We get a review of Carnival Cruise Line's Carnival Vista. This sailing was an eight-night Southern Caribbean cruise out of Miami, Florida. Ports of call included Grand Turk, Dominican Republic, Curacao, and Aruba. Stewart has cruise news on: Royal Caribbean gratuity increase MSC star-studded christening Carnival expands their easy-pay program Norwegian unveils new app What should we look for in 2018? Listener Question: How do I know what cruise will have fewer kids, is it the cruise line itself, the ship, or the time of year? David, CA Comments or suggestions? Email me: [email protected]

'Twas the night before the cruise, when all through the house Everyone was packing; have you seen Mom's blue blouse? The kids' luggage was set by the back door with care, In hopes that they'd remembered to pack formal wear. The children were nestled all snug in their beds, While visions of waterslides danced in their heads. In the morning we got up and got coffee and fraps, And we got to the terminal without needing a map. When we got on the ship we avoided the clatter, We sprang to the buffet to load up a platter. Away to Guy's Burgers we flew like a flash, Next to the pools of kids making a splash. The sun on the breast of the blue ocean waves Made me think of a drink, which I started to crave. When, what to my wondering eyes should appear, But a goofy British man who was holding a beer. At the site of him, someone beside me yelled, And I knew in a moment it must be John Heald. More rapid than eagles the cruisers they came, And he whistled, and shouted, and began to exclaim: "Now Sunshine! now, Glory! now, Pride and Sensation! On, Magic! On, Conquest! on Spirit and Elation! To the Caribbean and to three ports of call; Now cruise away, cruise away, cruise away all!" Some cruisers stood by and waved their goodbyes, As the ship's horn blew and the sunset in the skies. So up to the lido deck the cruisers they flew, With cameras in hand to capture the view. And then, in a twinkling, I heard on the deck The pouring of juice and some orange triple sec. As I signed my receipt and left an extra tip, Up came John Heald to the top of the ship. He was dressed in his swimsuit, ready for the slides, And he looked quite happy, with a pep in his stride. A bag full of sunscreen he had flung on his back, With a Guy's burger inside, in case he needed a snack. His eyes-how they twinkled! His dimples, how merry! But his chest won the contest for being too hairy! His droll little mouth was drawn up like a bow, For he'd just heard the sketch for the comedy show. As the senior cruise director of the whole Carnival fleet, He would shake the hand of every cruiser he'd meet. He had a broad face and he loved the food at the deli, And in the mornings he room serviced toast with some jelly. He was funny and kind, a right jolly old man, And I laughed when I saw him get a bit too tan. A wink of his eye and a twist of his head, Soon gave me to know his skin would go red. He spoke not a word, but went back to his work, As he wrote up the Fun Times for our day in Grand Turk. He planned out the bingos, the trivias, the shows, And made sure to list when the ship's bars would close. He then sprang to the mic, to his team gave a shout, And away they all flew, the crew so devout. But I heard him exclaim, 'ere we sailed out of sight, "Happy cruising to all, and to all a good-night!"

This week we get a detailed review of Celebrity Cruises' Celebrity Reflection in the Mediterranean. Stewart has cruise news on: Carnival Corporation's record-breaking earnings quarter and what it means for you. Royal Caribbean excursion accident has 12 cruisers dead Norovirus outbreak on a cruise ship and by the numbers Saint Maarten welcomes cruise ships back after hurricanes Carnival Fascination will undergo a multi-million dollar renovation Norwegian Cruise Line announces 2019 cruise ship deployments Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays! Thoughts or comments? [email protected] Follow Cruise Radio's Socials: LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook | YouTube | Twitter | Patreon

Greg gives us a review of the Carnival Cruise Line Tampa-based Carnival Paradise. This four night cruise went to Havana, which is one of Carnival's select Cuba voyages. Sherry has cruise news on: Carnival Sunshine going to Charleston Carnival revamping their boarding passes MSC announced line up for christening Holland America's Eurodam earn perfect health score New Holland America ship floated out Royal Caribbean opens Megans Bay Norwegian Cruise Line ups gratuities on beverage and dining Shelly from Cruising Excursions answers your questions on Mediterranean cruise shore excursions. Thoughts or comments? [email protected] Follow Cruise Radio's Socials: LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook | YouTube | Twitter | Patreon

Richard shares his seven-night review of Norwegian Cruise Line's New York City based Norwegian Breakaway. This cruise hit Orlando, private island Great Stirrup Cay, and Nassau, Bahamas. Being this is his fifth time sailing Norwegian Breakaway, Richard offers a unique perspective. Stewart Chiron the Cruise Guy has cruise news: Norwegian Cruise Line named Godfather of upcoming ship Carnival Cruise Line hikes drink package Carnival adds news menu items, takes some away MSC Seaside is delivered and more ships announced Princess Cruises names fourth Royal-class ship Listener Question: When will St. Maarten be 100 percent recovered? Steve - Dallas Thoughts or questions? [email protected]

Scott just returned from a four-night Bahamas cruise on Carnival Conquest. You'll want to hear this review from a seasoned cruise, but first time sailing Carnival Cruise Line. Sherry has cruise news: NCL changes final payment due date Carnival changing up cruise ships in the Gulf of Mexico Disney Magic will get an extensive renovation Port Canaveral reached a milestone Listener Question: Going to the Western Caribbean next summer on Royal Caribbean and trying to decide between a passport card and a passport book - are there any advantages of one over the other? Carl - Detroit Question or comment? [email protected]

This week we are down in the Eastern Caribbean on Holland America Line's ms Eurodam to do a post-hurricane assessment. Two of our ports of call include St. Thomas and Grand Turk. This is the cruise ship's first time back to the two islands since being back in the Caribbean. We talk with a local in St. Thomas Jack, the owner of Jack's Shack in Grand Turk Cruise Director Nick on Holland America's Eurodam Bruce Parkinson from OpenJaw.com Comments or questions? [email protected] Resources mentioned Returning to Grand Turk After the Hurricanes Eurodam Returns to St. Thomas My Brother's Workshop in St. Thomas

Ed has over 1,100 sea days with Carnival Cruise Line and lets me ask him a list of questions submitted by you the listener. Sherry has cruise news: Royal Caribbean's announcement last week included a lot of technology - what will we see? Harmony of the Seas is heading to Central Florida Royal Caribbean lays keel for next ship, Spectrum of the Seas Princess Cruises completed a historical milestone in the Panama Canal Tampa undergoes terminal enhancements Passenger kicked off a cruise ship for trying to start a mutiny Question: We're taking our first family cruise in 2018 and need help with selecting a balcony stateroom. The wife and I usually get an inside stateroom but with four of us, we're gonna need more room. I'm wading through a dozen different balcony room categories. How do I know which one will be big enough? We're torn between Oasis and Harmony of the Seas. - Thomas, Davenport Questions or comments? [email protected]

This week we are in New York City for the reveal of Royal Caribbean's big announcement that is claiming to revolutionize the way cruise vacations are booked and taken. Anthem of the Seas Review We get a review of Royal Caribbean's NYC-based Anthem of the Seas on a Canada/New England itinerary. Kabir details the food, entertainment options, and that accommodations on the ship, along with the ports of call. Sherry Kennedy has cruise news: Carnival Horizon completes sea trials Royal Caribbean expands presence in Alaska Grand Turk cruise port back open for business Port Everglades expands Terminal 4 pier St. Thomas sailings on the increase after the hurricane Norwegian Gem cancels a cruise from New York City Listener Questions: 1. What is the difference between ship's time and local time? 2. How to contact the ship if there is an emergency and need to connect with a stateroom. Question or comment? [email protected]

We talk to Celebrity Chef Guy Fieri about his partnership with Carnival Cruise Line and the launch of the new sit down restaurant on Carnival Horizon, Guy's Pig and Anchor Smokehouse/Brewhouse. Plus, he answers some of your cruise and Guy's Burger Joint questions. Sherry has cruise news on: The first cruise line that goes adults-only Disney Cruise Line is returning to the west coast Carnival Cruise Line is showcasing digital artwork on Carnival Horizon 23 countries. 40 ports. 90 days. Hear about this world cruise! Listener questions about a passenger with mobility issues and how accessible the private island with a wheelchair. Also about being lactose intolerant and cruising. With Norwegian Breakaway heading to the Baltic next year, we've been getting a lot of shore excursion questions on Northern Europe. Shelly from CruisingExcursions.com stops by to answer your Baltic cruise questions. Thoughts or questions? [email protected]

We sit down and have a casual chat with John Heald, Senior Cruise Director and Brand Ambassador with Carnival Cruise Line. John talks about everything from weight loss struggles at sea to taking some of your listener questions. This was taped when sailing aboard Carnival Fascination in mid October. Sherry Kennedy answers some of your cruise questions on: Finding a better cruise deal and how to secure it Does it pay to stay loyal to one cruise line Passport renewal deadlines Thoughts or comments? [email protected]

We get a review of Carnival Cruise Line's Carnival Victory on a Western Caribbean sailing from Miami. The ports of call on this sailing were Key West and Cozumel. Sherry Kennedy has cruise news: Cruise lines update the public on the state of the Caribbean islands impacted by this year's hurricanes FEMA charters Carnival Fascination New Guy Fieri sit-down venue coming to Carnival Horizon. Carnival Conquest gets an adults-only area. Royal Caribbean set to return to St. Thomas Royal Caribbean details upcoming ship Questions or comments? [email protected] Follow Cruise Radio's Socials: LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook | YouTube | Twitter | Patreon

This is a news brief with Senior Cruise Director John Heald about Carnival Cruise Line chartering of one of their ships to FEMA to help in Hurricane relief because of Hurricane Irma and Hurricane Maria. I'm currently sailing aboard Carnival Fascination. Thoughts or comments? [email protected]

We talk with Adolfo Perez at Carnival Cruise Line about the latest refurbishment of Carnival Elation and why they are spending so much money on these ships that are 20 years old. Richard Simms joins us with commentary about the beverage package increase with Norwegian Cruise Line and how it compares to the other packages out there. Tim gives us a review of his eight-night sailing on Caribbean Princess. Follow Cruise Radio's Socials: LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook | YouTube | Twitter | Patreon

Don gives us a full recap of his Cuba cruise with Norwegian Cruise Line from Port Miami. Comedian Tommy Davidson stops by to talk about the new season of Vacation Creation featuring Carnival Corporation. Sherry Kennedy has cruise news: The Bahamas wants cruisers to cough up $90 million Norwegian Breakaway is heading to the Big Easy NCL drink package price goes up Class-action hurricane lawsuit against Royal Caribbean Disney Cruise Line ship hits the pier in Nassau Thoughts or comments? [email protected]

Sarah shares her six-night Western Caribbean cruise review aboard Carnival Cruise Line's Carnival Vista from Miami. This Caribbean sailing went to Cozumel, Ocho Rios, and Grand Cayman. This was Sarah's first time cruising in three years. Tommy Casabona from the Always Be Book Podcast weighs in on cruisers complaining about itinerary changes due to the recent hurricanes. Sherry Kennedy has cruise news: Key West reopens since Hurricane Irma Carnival Fascination is temporarily repositioning to Florida Cunard Line is ordering new cruise ship NCL donates money to hurricane relief Listener question on cruise prices during hurricane season. Comments or questions? [email protected] Follow Cruise Radio's Socials: LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook | YouTube | Twitter | Patreon

Jessica and her family just returned from a sailing on Royal Caribbean's Oasis of the Seas, but this wasn't a normal sailing! Her cruise got extended because of Hurricane Irma. Jessica gives us her review of the ship, the itinerary, and her thoughts on sailing one of the world's largest cruise ships. Stewart has Cruise News on: Eastern Caribbean update? (latest on the islands) FEMA charters cruise ships for national guard workers Carnival says Grand Turk isn't quite ready to receive cruise ships. Carnival Fascination delivers supplies to St. Maarten. Work beings on fourth Princess Royal-class ship - details? Thoughts or comments? [email protected]

We get a review of Norwegian Cruise Line's Norwegian Epic. Plus, Jake Williams from the Canceled series on YouTube talks about his latest project, Carnival Cruise Line's forgotten Pinnacle-class ship. Thoughts or questions? [email protected]

We have an information-packed bonus episode this week as we get wall to wall coverage of Hurricane Irma and those impacted by the storm. We talk with Sherry Kennedy from CruiseMaven.com about the efforts that Royal Caribbean and Norwegian Cruise Line are doing to send their ships to rescue stranded vacationers. Simon Duvall from Cruiseline.com gives us an island assessment of the Eastern Caribbean islands of St. Thomas, St. John, Puerto Rico, St. Maarten, Grand Turk, and others that were in the path of the storm. We also link up with a guest who is currently onboard Royal Caribbean's Oasis of the Seas, sailing a seven-night western Caribbean cruise. Due to Hurricane Irma, the ship has been forced to extend its sailing and will be returning to Port Canaveral a few days late. We get a glimpse of life onboard and how everyone is holding up. Matt from Royal Caribbean Blog stops by to answer some questions about the cruise contract and passenger bill of rights during hurricanes, he chats with us about where cruise ships go during the storm, and what Royal Caribbean used Enchantment of the Seas for during the storm. John Heald aired a Facebook Live video on Saturday evening to people impacted and in the way of Hurricane Irma. Becky Smith is a travel agent who is rebooking a lot of clients who were scheduled to sail this past week. Becky chats with us about the reasons to use a travel agent (especially during hurricane season), how the cruise lines are compensating guests that are impacted by the storm, what particulars travel insurance would cover in a hurricane, and what you should know about booking a cruise during hurricane season.

On this episode, we talk with Cruiseline.com Community Manager Simon Duvall about Hurricane Irma and which Caribbean islands have been impacted so far. We touch on what a travel insurance policy might cover in a natural disaster situation like this. Also a review from Ford of a western Caribbean cruise aboard Carnival Victory. Cruise News: Carnival Corporation donates to Hurricane Harvey relief efforts Port Canaveral is building a new pier Carnival Horizon to have Teppanyaki specialty restaurant Thoughts or comments? [email protected]

We finally get to talk to an executive at Carnival Cruise Line and ask him some questions we've been dying to know about booking and other things. This is a pull the curtain back type of interview with Adolfo Perez. We answer a listener question about buying cruise line stock and where to ship watch out of Port Canaveral if you want to stay there pre- or post-cruise. We'll also tackle some of your shore excursion questions with CruisingExcursions.com. Comments or suggestions? Email me: [email protected]

We talk to cruise ship architect, Joe Farcus. Joe has been designing ships for Carnival Cruise Line and Carnival Corporate brands for over 30 years. We had a chance to talk with him about some of his past work and how he designs the cruise ship. Note: If you've been listening to Cruise Radio for over six years, you have have heard this interview back in April 2011. It has been one of the most listened to episodes over the past few years so I wanted to make it a bonus episode. Thoughts or comments? [email protected]

This week we get a review of Norwegian Cruise Line's Pride of America. Tommy Casabona stops by from the Always Be Book podcast to talk this past week's solar eclipse. Sherry Kennedy has cruise news: Carnival extending their sailings to Cuba Carnival is testing a new port day menu Royal Caribbean's Allure of the Seas has dreaded technical issues San Juan is seeing record cruise traffic Thoughts or review? Email me [email protected]. EDITED TO REMOVE TROPICAL STORM STORY ON AUG 24. Follow Cruise Radio's Socials: LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook | YouTube | Twitter | Patreon

We get a review of Carnival Cruise Line's Carnival Triumph on a five-night western Caribbean cruise. Not only was this his first time on Carnival, but it was his first cruise ever. The review gives a neat perspective from someone who experienced the world of cruising for the very first time. Sherry Kennedy has cruise news: New details on Norwegian Bliss Royal Caribbean names upcoming ship - details? Carnival ship missed a port because of propulsion issues - what happened? The Bahamas wants cruisers to spend more money. A class action cruise lawsuit is in the works - but this lawsuit isn't against the cruise lines. Check your phone number here. Listener questions: Is it possible to share a wifi package among friends? - Diane from Fargo How does the disembarkation process work with getting back to the airport? - Heather from Seattle Questions or have a review? Email me: [email protected].

We get a review of a 10-night Eastern Caribbean cruise on Norwegian Cruise Line's Norwegian Gem. Craig gives us the details of the Norwegian Gem, what he thought of the ship and what he did on his Caribbean ports of call. Sherry Kennedy has cruise news on: Carnival's Senior Cruise Director celebrates 30 years with the company Captain Kirk to NCL: Save the Dolphins! Carnival LIVE adds another performer for the fall Why one cruise line is hiking cruise prices Celebrity Cruises adds another female captain Listener Questions Room locations Using Norwegian Cruise Line's bidding system Thoughts or questions? Email me: [email protected] Follow Cruise Radio's Socials: LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook | YouTube | Twitter | Patreon

We get a review of Royal Caribbean's Enchantment of the Seas. This sailing left Miami, Florida and headed for Nassau, Bahamas and Royal Caribbean's private island Coco Cay, Bahamas. We get a full review of the ship, the dining, entertainment on board, a glimpse into a day on Coco Cay, and some overall thoughts. Sherry Kennedy has cruise news on: Sad news on a Princess Cruise in Alaska last week. Carnival Cruise Line gave Mobile, Alabama some great news New report shows norovirus is down on cruise ships Norwegian Cruise Line is testing a surcharge on another restaurant Bookings now open for Norwegian Sun Listener question on Carnival Cruise Line specialty dining. Link Mentioned: Unscripted interview on Always Be Booked Podcast Thoughts or comments? [email protected] Follow Cruise Radio's Socials: LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook | YouTube | Twitter | Patreon

Mitchell just returned from Disney Cruise Line's Disney Dream where he did a five-night honeymoon Bahamas cruise. Mitch is a seasoned cruiser and his wife has only been on one voyage prior to this sailing. We hear his thoughts on planning the cruise, dining, Castaway Cay, and the public areas aboard Disney Dream. One special feature on this cruise is that it stopped in Castaway Cay twice. Cruise Critic just released their Cruiser's Choice Destination Awards for 2017. The award highlights the most popular cruise ports in every region. Ashley stops by to give us some of the highlights. Sherry Kennedy has cruise news: Terminally ill cruise passenger is headed home thanks to some generous donations. Carnival expands keyless embarkation Disney Cruise Line adds 7th ship MSC changing final payment policy Kid jumping in cruise ship pool from railing (for more, listen to our bonus episode released prior to this show) Article link mentioned: Cruise Critic Cruiser's Choice Destination Awards Show thoughts or suggestions? [email protected] Follow Cruise Radio's Socials: LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook | YouTube | Twitter | Patreon