CruiseTipsTV Unplugged - Cruise Tips and More

This week on CruiseTipsTV Unplugged, we're diving into your questions straight from our Facebook community! We're talking best balconies on Sun Princess, the cheapest times of year to cruise, Alaska and Europe cruise tips, and a whole lot more. If you've got a cruise coming up, this episode is packed with practical advice to help you plan smarter and cruise better. Don't miss the latest news and updates at www.cruisetipstv.com and come ask your questions LIVE at amazon.com/shop/cruisetipstv and click on the "livestreams" button! Visit us on AmazonLive! https://www.amazon.com/live/cruisetipstv

In Haines, Alaska, the wilderness doesn't just surround you… it watches. In this episode of CruiseTipsTV Unplugged: Alaska Lore & Legends, we explore the story of the Kushtaka, a shape-shifting presence said to mimic human voices and lure people into the forest. When a routine walk along the Chilkat River takes an unexpected turn, the line between explanation and something more begins to blur. Because in Southeast Alaska… not every voice is meant to be followed. In this episode, we explore how those stories connect to a modern-day experience in Haines, where the environment, the legend, and one unsettling moment begin to overlap. This episode is a narrative exploration of Alaska's history, culture, and folklore, based on publicly available historical records, oral traditions, and multiple secondary sources. Details are presented for educational and storytelling purposes and may reflect differing historical interpretations. Legends and traditional stories are shared respectfully and in context. This podcast is independently produced and is not affiliated with or endorsed by any historical institution, cultural group, or cruise line. Follow and chat with us live on AmazonLive! at https://www.amazon.com/live/cruisetipstv

Haines feels peaceful. Calm. Almost untouched. But spend enough time here, and you'll start to notice something else… A quiet imbalance. A subtle absence. A town that nearly slipped away. Haines, Alaska is still here. But it came closer than you think to becoming a place people only remember. This episode is a narrative exploration of Alaska's history, culture, and folklore, based on publicly available historical records, oral traditions, and multiple secondary sources. Details are presented for educational and storytelling purposes and may reflect differing historical interpretations. Legends and traditional stories are shared respectfully and in context. This podcast is independently produced and is not affiliated with or endorsed by any historical institution, cultural group, or cruise line. Follow and chat with us live on AmazonLive! at https://www.amazon.com/live/cruisetipstv

Thinking about a Disney cruise but not sure which ship to choose? In this episode of CruiseTipsTV Unplugged, we're joined by Sam and Brian from the DCL Duo to break down the different classes of Disney Cruise Line ships—and what makes each one unique. We cover the Magic, Dream, and Wish classes, how the onboard experience has evolved over time, and who each ship is really best for. Plus, we dive into Disney Cruise Line's newest and most unique addition, Disney Adventure, and what it could mean for the future of Disney cruising. Whether you're planning your first Disney cruise or trying to decide which ship to book next, this episode will help you choose with confidence. ✨ In this episode: Differences between Disney ship classes Which ships are best for families, adults, and first-timers What makes the Wish class so different • A look at Disney Treasure and what's new Disney Adventure explained (and why it's unlike anything else) The future of Disney Cruise Line Visit us on AmazonLive! https://www.amazon.com/live/cruisetipstv

A fire. A figure in the window. And a legend that refused to disappear. Long before Sitka became a cruise destination, a castle stood above the harbor. Inside, a tragic love story ended in mystery… but did it truly end? This episode is a narrative exploration of Alaska's history, culture, and folklore, based on publicly available historical records, oral traditions, and multiple secondary sources. Details are presented for educational and storytelling purposes and may reflect differing historical interpretations. Legends and traditional stories are shared respectfully and in context. This podcast is independently produced and is not affiliated with or endorsed by any historical institution, cultural group, or cruise line. Follow and chat with us live on AmazonLive! at https://www.amazon.com/live/cruisetipstv

In Part 2 of our New Zealand cruise series, we take a deep dive into our experience sailing aboard the beautiful Discovery Princess. We're sharing a full ship review, including our thoughts on the cabins, dining, entertainment, and overall vibe of the ship after spending 8 nights onboard. From buffet favorites to specialty dining highlights, we'll talk about what impressed us—and what didn't. We also tackle a big travel question: Is New Zealand best experienced by cruise ship? While cruising offers incredible scenic sail-ins and the convenience of visiting multiple ports without unpacking, New Zealand is also a destination famous for its inland adventures and road-trip culture. We break down the pros and cons of visiting New Zealand by cruise, including what you'll see from the coast—and what you might miss by not exploring deeper inland. I n this episode we cover: Our full Discovery Princess ship review Cabin comfort and layout Food highlights and dining surprises What the ship does really well The biggest advantages of cruising New Zealand Why some travelers may prefer exploring the country by land If you're considering a New Zealand cruise—or wondering how Discovery Princess stacks up—this episode will help you decide. Visit us on AmazonLive! https://www.amazon.com/live/cruisetipstv

A legendary saloon. A piano that defined the room. And a performer some say never truly left. This is the haunting story of Professor Phineas Poon. This episode is a narrative exploration of Alaska's history, culture, and folklore, based on publicly available historical records, oral traditions, and multiple secondary sources. Details are presented for educational and storytelling purposes and may reflect differing historical interpretations. Legends and traditional stories are shared respectfully and in context. This podcast is independently produced and is not affiliated with or endorsed by any historical institution, cultural group, or cruise line. Follow and chat with us live on AmazonLive! at https://www.amazon.com/live/cruisetipstv

What does it really take to reach Pinnacle — the highest loyalty tier in Royal Caribbean's Crown & Anchor Society? In today's episode, I'm joined by Joyce, one of our most dedicated Royal Caribbean cruisers, who just achieved Pinnacle status — a milestone that very few cruisers ever reach. We're breaking down: What Pinnacle status actually includes How many cruise points (and sea days) it takes to get there How long she's been sailing with Royal Caribbean The perks that truly make a difference Whether chasing loyalty status is worth it Smart strategies for cruisers who want to climb the tiers faster If you've ever wondered whether loyalty really pays off — or if Pinnacle feels completely out of reach — this episode will give you clarity, insight, and maybe even a little motivation for your next sailing. Whether you're brand new to Royal Caribbean or already climbing the loyalty ladder, this conversation pulls back the curtain on what the top tier actually looks like. Visit us on AmazonLive! https://www.amazon.com/live/cruisetipstv

This episode is a narrative exploration of Alaska's history, culture, and folklore, based on publicly available historical records, oral traditions, and multiple secondary sources. Details are presented for educational and storytelling purposes and may reflect differing historical interpretations. Legends and traditional stories are shared respectfully and in context. This podcast is independently produced and is not affiliated with or endorsed by any historical institution, cultural group, or cruise line. Follow and chat with us live on AmazonLive! at https://www.amazon.com/live/cruisetipstv

This special episode is a narrative exploration of Alaska's history, culture, and folklore, based on publicly available historical records, oral traditions, and multiple secondary sources. Details are presented for educational and storytelling purposes and may reflect differing historical interpretations. Legends and traditional stories are shared respectfully and in context. This podcast is independently produced and is not affiliated with or endorsed by any historical institution, cultural group, or cruise line. Follow and chat with us live on AmazonLive! at https://www.amazon.com/live/cruisetipstv

Cruising as an older teen or young adult can feel… awkward. You're too old for the kids club, not quite an "adult cruiser," and trying to figure out if cruising is actually fun at 18–25. In this episode, we break down exactly what cruising is like for older teens and young adults — the good, the weird, and what no one really talks about. We cover: Whether cruising feels awkward at this age (and why) How cruising changes as you grow up What an average day on a cruise ship looks like for 18+ The parts of cruising we don't love What we wish more people understood about cruising The best cruise destinations for teens & young adults Dream travel destinations (cruise and non-cruise) Cruise fashion tips Packing tips, including: Top 5 must-pack items Bonus items that make cruising way better If you're 18+, cruising without kids clubs, or traveling as a young adult and wondering if cruising is worth it — this episode is for you. Follow and chat with us live on AmazonLive! at https://www.amazon.com/live/cruisetipstv

New Zealand has a reputation for being breathtaking—but what is it actually like to experience it by cruise? In this episode, I'm sharing a port-by-port review of my New Zealand itinerary, including Waiheke Island in Auckland, a pearl farm and beachcomber cruise in Picton, Lord of the Rings filming locations in Christchurch, wildlife encounters in Dunedin with Nature's Wonders, and scenic cruising through Milford Sound. Next week, I'll also share my honest review of the ship and explain why it plays such a big role when cruising to destinations like New Zealand. If New Zealand is on your travel list, or you're curious whether a cruise is the right way to experience it, this episode offers a grounded, realistic look at what makes this destination so special. Follow and chat with us live on AmazonLive! at https://www.amazon.com/live/cruisetipstv

This episode is a narrative exploration of Alaska's history, culture, and folklore, based on publicly available historical records, oral traditions, and multiple secondary sources. Details are presented for educational and storytelling purposes and may reflect differing historical interpretations. Legends and traditional stories are shared respectfully and in context. This podcast is independently produced and is not affiliated with or endorsed by any historical institution, cultural group, or cruise line. Follow and chat with us live on AmazonLive! at https://www.amazon.com/live/cruisetipstv

The boys fill in while Sheri is gallivanting around New Zealand. NO SHERI! Mr. CTTV and Jr. take over the podcast and ramble on about cruising out of Galveston, what Carnival Legend is like, and Carnival's new private island, Celebration Key. If you have teens, you'll want to tune into this one. Follow and chat with us live on AmazonLive! at https://www.amazon.com/live/cruisetipstv

In this episode, we're breaking down our full Carnival Legend experience—from embarkation and debarkation to ports, food, and onboard service. Plus, we share a quick but exciting announcement about our upcoming Discovery Princess cruise to New Zealand and why this return means so much to us. If you're considering Carnival Legend or just love cruise talk, this one's for you. Follow and chat with us live on AmazonLive! at https://www.amazon.com/live/cruisetipstv

In this episode, we're reflecting on everything 2025 brought—from some great family cruises and trips and behind-the-scenes cruise line previews. We reveal our next cruise on Carnival Legend, talk about what drew us to this sailing, and share what we'll be covering once onboard, including food, ports, and value for the price. We also share a brief life and health update, say thank you for the support, and tease another big cruise on the horizon. If you love cruising, honest reflections, and a peek at what's coming next, this episode is for you. https://www.amazon.com/live/cruisetipstv

As 2025 comes to a close, we're taking an honest look back at Cruising in 2025: What We Got Right, What Surprised Us, What Missed the Mark at the year in cruising—what we got right, what genuinely surprised us, and what didn't quite live up to the hype. In this Unplugged episode, we talk through the trends we accurately predicted, the changes we didn't see coming, and the cruise lines that quietly over-delivered when no one was looking. We also dig into the ideas that sounded great on paper but fell short in real life, and how our own cruising habits, expectations, and mindset shifted over the past year. We wrap things up by looking ahead to 2026—what we're excited about, what we're cautiously optimistic about, and what we're hoping cruise lines continue to get right. No hot takes for the sake of hot takes—just thoughtful reflection from a year at sea and where we see cruising heading next. Download our shore day bag checklist and more cruise packing and planning checklists & videos by joining the CruiseTipsTV Academy at https://academy.cruisetipstv.com

It's time for another listener Q&A! This week we're covering a wide range of cruise questions—from the best Alaska splurges (glacier treks vs. flightseeing) to practical tips for cruising with toddlers, including diapers, strollers, and mealtime strategies. We also dive into Japan cruise planning (why a roundtrip Yokohama sailing can be a game-changer), what's happening in the Galveston cruise market, smart Princess Cruises tips, and even cruise-friendly skincare essentials. If you've got cruise questions, chances are they're answered in this episode. Download our shore day bag checklist and more cruise packing and planning checklists & videos by joining the CruiseTipsTV Academy at https://academy.cruisetipstv.com

In this episode, we welcome Dan and Mikkel of Sometimes Sailing to break down their experience onboard Celebrity Xcel. From embarkation impressions to favorite spaces, dining highlights, surprises, and tips for future guests, this conversation offers a fresh look at Celebrity's newest ship. Download our shore day bag checklist and more cruise packing and planning checklists & videos by joining the CruiseTipsTV Academy at https://academy.cruisetipstv.com

In this listener Q&A episode, we answer your top cruise questions, from gym and spa etiquette onboard—what's helpful and what's not—to our favorite pre-cruise hotels in Miami and Fort Lauderdale. Plus, we give the honest truth about cruise ship internet and how to make it work for you. Practical tips, insider insight, and real talk from the CruiseTipsTV community! Download our shore day bag checklist and more cruise packing and planning checklists & videos by joining the CruiseTipsTV Academy at https://academy.cruisetipstv.com

Join us as we recap our incredible voyage aboard Norwegian Bliss during the Latitudes Rewards Members Cruise—a sailing packed with loyal guests, unique experiences, and tons of fun. We're sharing what it was like onboard, how to book next year's, and what activities NCL did for the Latitudes guests! We also dive into a BIG entertainment announcement on Norwegian Luna, Norwegian Cruise Line's newest ship, arriving soon. If you love Norwegian, cruising, or just want the inside scoop on Norwegian Bliss and Norwegian Luna, this episode is for you. Download our shore day bag checklist and more cruise packing and planning checklists & videos by joining the CruiseTipsTV Academy at https://academy.cruisetipstv.com

This week, Sheri sits down with Wendy, her travel agent partner at CruiseTipsTV, to chat about Norwegian Cruise Line's switch back to Free at Sea — what it means for cruisers — plus a fun dive into the world of Amtrak travel. Whether you love the sea or the rails, this episode is full of travel inspo and insider insight! Download our shore day bag checklist and more cruise packing and planning checklists & videos by joining the CruiseTipsTV Academy at https://academy.cruisetipstv.com

In this episode, we share what we did in each port on our Norwegian Spirit Cruise to Japan. From spending our wedding anniversary in Hiroshima to the extreme heat viewing Mt Fuji, we saw and did a LOT on this once in a lifetime cruise to Japan! Download our shore day bag checklist and more cruise packing and planning checklists & videos by joining the CruiseTipsTV Academy at https://academy.cruisetipstv.com

Ever wondered what it's really like to cruise with Disney — and how to make the most of it? In this episode of CruiseTipsTV Unplugged, Sheri sits down with Sam and Brian from DCL Duo for a fun, relaxed conversation all about their love for Disney Cruise Line. They share stories from their latest sailings, chat about how DCL Duo got started, and hear about their latest cruise to Alaska. You'll also hear their best tips for planning a Disney cruise, plus a rapid-fire round filled with cruise favorites, dream destinations, and a few surprises! Download our shore day bag checklist and more cruise packing and planning checklists & videos by joining the CruiseTipsTV Academy at https://academy.cruisetipstv.com

Join us for an inspiring conversation with Royal Caribbean Group's Chairman, Richard Fain, as he reveals the secrets behind the company's culture of innovation and what it really takes to redefine the modern vacation. Plus, Richard shares stories and lessons from his new book, Delivering the Wow. Download our shore day bag checklist and more cruise packing and planning checklists & videos by joining the CruiseTipsTV Academy at https://academy.cruisetipstv.com

This week on the podcast, we talk about the cruise(s) that almost didn't happen. Our flight to our epic cruise got CANCELLED as we were driving to the airport, and we'll share what happened next, how it's been going on our cruise adventure in Japan, and what we've been up to in the ports of Keelung, Taiwan, and the Southern Islands of Japan. We'll also share cruise #2, with zero sea days and a pretty packed schedule! Download our shore day bag checklist and more cruise packing and planning checklists & videos by joining the CruiseTipsTV Academy at https://academy.cruisetipstv.com

This week on the podcast, we tackle a question from our listeners who have been cruising with the same line for 30 years. What lines should they try and what will be our personal recommendations? Download our shore day bag checklist and more cruise packing and planning checklists & videos by joining the CruiseTipsTV Academy at https://academy.cruisetipstv.com

This week on the podcast, we're answering questions from our Facebook Group. Caribbean's cruise excursions, Alaska seafood, travel insurance and lots lots more! Download our shore day bag checklist and more cruise packing and planning checklists & videos by joining the CruiseTipsTV Academy at https://academy.cruisetipstv.com

Unexpected FLIGHT Issues That Can Ruin Your Cruise Vacation (And How to Handle Them) Part 3 in our series! These air travel scenarios cover the most common flight-related issues that can impact cruise vacations, and how to STOP them (when possible). Download our shore day bag checklist and more cruise packing and planning checklists & videos by joining the CruiseTipsTV Academy at https://academy.cruisetipstv.com

If you're looking to explore the UK and Ireland without having to fly to tons of different cities, cruising from Southampton could be for you! Today, I'm joined by Ronan Ryan from Explore Cruise Repeat. Ronan hosts the port2port podcast and has visited 41 countries and spent 71 days at sea! We'll share the top 5 cruises from Southampton, cruises that visit Cobh (often referred to as Cork) and what to do on your port stop in Cobh! Download our shore day bag checklist and more cruise packing and planning checklists & videos by joining the CruiseTipsTV Academy at https://academy.cruisetipstv.com

Worried about insuring your next trip? Ben's Big Deal is here to demystify travel insurance! Join us as Ben breaks down everything you need to know: when to buy, essential terminology like trip delay and CFAR (Cancel For Any Reason), and how factors such as cost, age, and even your state of residence affect your coverage. We'll tackle common pitfalls like overspending or undercovering, and discuss why relying solely on your credit card's travel protection might leave you exposed. Plus, find out when an annual policy makes the most sense for your travel habits. Download our shore day bag checklist and more cruise packing and planning checklists & videos by joining the CruiseTipsTV Academy at https://academy.cruisetipstv.com

Amazon's Prime Day is HERE, and we've rounded up our top picks for the big sale period with a "his and hers" twist. From luggage to tech and travel must-haves, these deals are perfect for your next adventure. Shop all the deals here: https://urlgeni.us/amzn/PrimeDay2025Ideas Download our shore day bag checklist and more cruise packing and planning checklists & videos by joining the CruiseTipsTV Academy at https://academy.cruisetipstv.com

We'll unpack why Carnival decided to overhaul its long-standing VIFP loyalty program, moving from a "sea days" model to a spend-based, expiring status system. What were they hoping to achieve, and why has this shift sparked such widespread outrage among their most devoted cruisers? From concerns about lifetime status being eliminated to the perceived devaluation of years of loyalty, we'll explore the emotional and practical impact on the Carnival faithful. Finally, we'll brainstorm some potential solutions and compromises that could help Carnival mend fences with its loyal fan base and navigate this choppy PR sea. Download our shore day bag checklist and more cruise packing and planning checklists & videos by joining the CruiseTipsTV Academy at https://academy.cruisetipstv.com

This week on the podcast we continue our segment on how to prevent unexpected mishaps that can ruin your cruise. From cabin issues to tech troubles, it's best to know in advance how to deal with difficult situations as they come up. Download our shore day bag checklist and more cruise packing and planning checklists & videos by joining the CruiseTipsTV Academy at https://academy.cruisetipstv.com

This week on the podcast we share how to prevent unexpected mishaps that can ruin your cruise. From port changes to medical emergency, it's best to know in advance how to deal with difficult situations as they come up. Download our shore day bag checklist and more cruise packing and planning checklists & videos by joining the CruiseTipsTV Academy at https://academy.cruisetipstv.com

This week on the podcast, we discuss our recent back to back cruises on Discovery Princess. What cabin did we like better? Was the food any good? What did we do pre cruise? Download our shore day bag checklist and more cruise packing and planning checklists & videos by joining the CruiseTipsTV Academy at https://academy.cruisetipstv.com

This week on the show, we share three Alaska excursions you might enjoy in Skagway, Juneau and Ketchikan. We'll give you the scoop on what they are really like, an idea of the cost, and what to expect. Download our shore day bag checklist and more cruise packing and planning checklists & videos by joining the CruiseTipsTV Academy at https://academy.cruisetipstv.com

This week on the show, we answer cruise questions from our Instagram audience. We'll being answering questions like -how to find a cruise deal, -how to search for repositioning cruises, -Why you'd want to book with a travel agent instead of direct with the cruise line, and more. Download our shore day bag checklist and more cruise packing and planning checklists & videos by joining the CruiseTipsTV Academy at https://academy.cruisetipstv.com

Today, we have a special guest on the podcast. Maggie Rich, a Florida-based Licensed Mental Health Counselor, joins us to talk about how cruise and travel can be a powerful mental health tool. Today we'll cover travel anxiety, the 5 Love Languages, and how they relate to travel, and lots more! Download our shore day bag checklist and more cruise packing and planning checklists & videos by joining the CruiseTipsTV Academy at https://academy.cruisetipstv.com

This week on the show, we answer cruise questions from our Instagram audience. How do the Norwegian Haven and MSC Yacht Club compare? What is there for teens on NCL Aqua? Will I be bored on a 14-day multigenerational Norway cruise? And lots more! Download our shore day bag checklist and more cruise packing and planning checklists & videos by joining the CruiseTipsTV Academy at https://academy.cruisetipstv.com

This week on the show, Chad Pennycuff from My DVC Points joins Sheri on the show to talk about the complex (and niche!) world of Disney Vacation Club points. We chate about renting points for a better cruise, what's the cheapest time to book a Disney cruise, and the future of Disney cruise ships. Download our shore day bag checklist and more cruise packing and planning checklists & videos by joining the CruiseTipsTV Academy at https://academy.cruisetipstv.com

This week on the show, Sheri and Jr. Editor share their experience on the 3 day Miami christening cruise onboard Norwegian Aqua. They talk about food favorites, the first hybrid roller coaster and waterslide at sea, and a basketball court like no other! Download our shore day bag checklist and more cruise packing and planning checklists & videos by joining the CruiseTipsTV Academy at https://academy.cruisetipstv.com

This week on the show, Sheri reviews her trip on the world's newest cruise ship, Norwegian Aqua. We talk about the increased size of the ship, her wacky cruise cabin, and the activities onboard, including the new Aqua Slidecoaster and lots more! Stay tuned next week for a review of the Haven, the food on Aqua and the entertainment! Download our shore day bag checklist and more cruise packing and planning checklists & videos by joining the CruiseTipsTV Academy at https://academy.cruisetipstv.com

In this episode, Sheri is joined by Emma LeTeace. You may know her as Emma Cruises on YouTube and the web. Emma started her website in 2016 when she was just 22, and since then she's created over 500 YouTube Videos, shared 200+ live streams with her community and, 1000+ website articles- all about cruise travel! Emma shares her most recent projects with the Cruise Globe, Cruise Maps, Captain Hudson, and her work with Mercy Ships! Download our shore day bag checklist and more cruise packing and planning checklists & videos by joining the CruiseTipsTV Academy at https://academy.cruisetipstv.com

In this episode, we're tackling the most popular queries from our Facebook audience. We'll guide you through selecting the ideal cruise itinerary, exploring must-see ports of call, and uncovering the best shore excursions for wildlife viewing, adventure, and cultural experiences. We'll also cover essential packing tips, budgeting advice, and how to make the most of your time in the Last Frontier. Get ready to embark on your dream Alaskan cruise with confidence! Check out our Ultimate Quick Guide to Alaska Cruise Ports on our website CruiseTipsTV.com. Download our shore day bag checklist and more cruise packing and planning checklists & videos by joining the CruiseTipsTV Academy at https://academy.cruisetipstv.com

Today, we are talking about how to cut vacation costs by creating your own DIY shore excursions. We'll walk you through everything you need to know about planning your own port excursions, from safety considerations to booking platforms, helping you pocket substantial savings while enjoying more authentic travel experiences. Download our shore day bag checklist and more cruise packing and planning checklists & videos by joining the CruiseTipsTV Academy at https://academy.cruisetipstv.com

With a recent cruise on Carnival Miracle fresh in our minds, we thought it would be a good time to talk about getting the most out of your Carnival cruise experience. We'll talk about pre-planning, embarkation day, excursions, money-saving tips, and more. Download our shore day bag checklist and more cruise packing and planning checklists & videos by joining the CruiseTipsTV Academy at https://academy.cruisetipstv.com