Cruise Radio: Weekly Cruise News & Travel Tips

Explorer Journeys Explorer I Review | 16-Night Cruise 05.07.2026 43min

Doug Parker interviews Jan, who recently completed a 16-night repositioning cruise aboard Explorer Journeys' Explorer One, sailing from Barcelona to Miami. Jan shares his enthusiasm for the cruise line, highlighting the exceptional food, spacious suites, inclusive amenities, and intimate atmosphere. He describes memorable ports including Cadiz, Madeira, Antigua, Tortola, and San Juan, along with standout onboard experiences like enrichment lectures and a culinary cooking class. Jan recommends Explorer Journeys as outstanding value for travelers seeking a luxury experience without ultra-luxury pricing. Share your thoughts: doug@cruiseradio.net 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.

Celebrity Solstice Review: Sydney to Hawaii Across the Pacific + Cruise News 02.07.2026 53min

Celebrity Solstice review and this week's cruise news. Steven shares his experience aboard Celebrity Solstice on a 16-night transpacific cruise from Sydney to Honolulu. We discuss the ship's renovation, dining, entertainment, sea days, ports of call in New Caledonia, Fiji, Samoa, and American Samoa, plus crossing the Equator and International Date Line. We also talk about an onboard power outage and Coast Guard medical evacuation that happened near the end of the voyage. Cruise Radio staff writer Richard Simms covers this week's headlines: • River cruise fire in France • Sun Princess overnight fire scare • Celebration Key expansion • Carnival crew member honored as a hero • Ruby Princess norovirus outbreak • Frank Del Rio's $18 million lawsuit Share your thoughts: doug@cruiseradio.net 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.

Carnival Sunrise Review 2026 | Half Moon Cay & Celebration Key 28.06.2026 51min

Corey joins Doug to share his review of a five-night cruise aboard Carnival Sunrise from Miami, featuring visits to RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay and Celebration Key. Taking advantage of a casino offer, Corey and his girlfriend booked an interior stateroom for her first cruise and explored everything from Carnival's newest private destinations to the ship's specialty dining venues. They discuss Fahrenheit 555 Steakhouse, Bonsai Sushi, Cucina del Capitano, the Chef's Table experience, Carnival's new Bagels at Sea concept, and the overall food quality onboard. The conversation also covers entertainment, casino offers, crowd levels on a smaller Carnival ship, and how Carnival Sunrise compares to newer ships sailing today. Corey shares his thoughts on the grand reopening of RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay, his experience at Pearl Cove Beach Club at Celebration Key, and why he believes the combination of Carnival's two private destinations creates one of the strongest beach-focused itineraries in the Caribbean. In This Episode: Carnival Sunrise interior stateroom review Bagels at Sea and onboard dining Fahrenheit 555 Steakhouse Chef's Table experience Nassau shore excursion RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay reopening Celebration Key and Pearl Cove Beach Club Carnival casino offers Tips for first-time Carnival Sunrise cruisers Share your thoughts: doug@cruiseradio.net 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. Share your thoughts: doug@cruiseradio.net

Icon of the Seas 2026 + Cruise News | Eastern Caribbean Cruise 25.06.2026 45min

A review of Icon of the Seas. Staff writer Richard Simms has cruise news. This week, we cover a record-setting day in Nassau as more than 33,000 cruise passengers arrived in port, ongoing chaos in Santorini as a controversial passenger distribution rule triggers another shutdown, and the tragic death of a pregnant fin whale believed to have been struck by Royal Caribbean's Ovation of the Seas near Seward, Alaska. We also discuss Royal Caribbean's decision to allow suite guests to bring non-suite friends into Coastal Kitchen for a fee, a massive brawl at PortMiami that resulted in 16 Carnival passengers being permanently banned from the cruise line, and Carnival's new limited-edition Bulleit single-barrel bourbon being sold aboard select ships as part of America's 250th anniversary celebration. Michael and Tiffany return to Cruise Radio to share their review of a seven-night Eastern Caribbean cruise aboard Royal Caribbean's Icon of the Seas. Sailing from Miami, they discuss what it was like experiencing one of the world's largest cruise ships and whether the hype lives up to reality. The couple shares their thoughts on the ship's layout, dining, entertainment, and crowd management, including why the vessel never felt crowded despite carrying more than 7,000 guests. They discuss favorites like Pearl Café, Giovanni's Italian Kitchen, Hooked Seafood, the AquaTheater production, and Royal Caribbean's adults-only Hideaway areas both onboard and at Perfect Day at CocoCay. They also talk about their visits to St. Maarten, St. Thomas, and Perfect Day at CocoCay, along with tips for navigating the ship, finding quiet spaces, and deciding whether Icon of the Seas is worth the premium price. In This Episode: Cruise news Icon of the Seas balcony stateroom review Pearl Cafe and included dining options Giovanni's Italian Kitchen and Hooked Seafood AquaTheater, ice show, and Wizard of Oz production St. Maarten and Maho Beach St. Thomas port day changes Hideaway Beach at Perfect Day at CocoCay Crowd levels on a 7,000+ passenger ship Tips for first-time Icon of the Seas cruisers 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. Share your thoughts: doug@cruiseradio.net

Marella Voyager 2026 Review | Canary Islands Cruise 21.06.2026 37min

Marcus joins Doug to review a 7-night cruise aboard Marella Voyager, sailing roundtrip from Tenerife to the Canary Islands and Madeira. In this episode, he shares his experience aboard the former Celebrity Mercury, including an upgrade to an Executive Suite, dining at the ship's included and specialty restaurants, entertainment, and what it's like sailing on Marella Cruises for the first time. He also discusses visits to Gran Canaria, Lanzarote, Fuerteventura, Madeira, and La Palma, along with tips for embarking in Tenerife and navigating this port-intensive itinerary. Topics Discussed: Marella Voyager Executive Suite Dining and specialty restaurants The all-inclusive cruise experience Entertainment and onboard atmosphere Canary Islands ports of call Madeira highlights Embarkation and debarkation in Tenerife How Marella compares to Princess and Celebrity Cruise 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. Share your thoughts: doug@cruiseradio.net

Norwegian Luna Caribbean Review 2026 + Cruise News | Norwegian Cruise Line 18.06.2026 50min

A review of Norwegian Luna. We cover recent cruise news, including the Anna Kepner murder case aboard Carnival Horizon, a video voyeurism arrest on Royal Caribbean's Allure of the Seas, a brawl at Nassau Cruise Pier, a $1.9 billion lawsuit against MSC Cruises, and new dining announcements from Carnival and Holland America. Tony shares a detailed review of his seven-night family cruise aboard Norwegian Cruise Line's brand-new Prima class ship, the Norwegian Luna, highlighting dining, entertainment, ports of call, including a stop at the newly renovated Great Stirrup Cay, and gives us his overall impressions. 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.

Majestic Princess Western Caribbean Cruise Review 2026 + Cruise News | Princess Cruises 11.06.2026 56min

We cover major cruise news, including American cruise passengers arrested in Nassau, a foiled plot to bomb a cruise ship in Greece, a lawsuit against Royal Caribbean, updates on Perfect Day Mexico, and the delivery of Legend of the Seas. Richard also answers a listener question about casino bounce-back offers. The episode features a detailed review of the Majestic Princess by first-time cruiser Chris, who shares details including his inaugural cruise out of Port Everglades, how good the dining on board was, scuba diving in Cozumel, and Mayan ruins in Belize. 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.

Celebrity Reflection 2026 Bahamas Review + Cruise Travel Insurance Questions Answered | Celebrity Cruises 07.06.2026 56min

Doug chats with guest Tom about his three-night solo cruise aboard Celebrity Reflection, visiting Key West and Nassau. Tom shares his experience as a first-time Celebrity and solo cruiser, covering the smooth embarkation process, his interior stateroom, buffet and specialty dining highlights, and diverse entertainment options. He compares Celebrity favorably to other cruise lines, noting its calm, upscale atmosphere. Tom also offers practical tips for solo travelers, recommending short cruises as a starting point and encouraging passengers to engage socially onboard. We also feature a segment about travel insurance with Dan Skilken, President of TripInsurance.com. Dan discusses its importance for cruise travelers, what to look for in a policy, what "cancel-for-any-reason" travel insurance really means, and tips for making sure you have adequate coverage for your trip. 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.

Adventure of the Seas 2026 Review, John Heald Interview + Cruise News | Royal Caribbean 04.06.2026 55min

Doug Parker covers major cruise industry news, including Norwegian Viva's canceled San Juan sailings and a worker strike disrupting Royal Caribbean ports in Costa Maya, a heroic passenger rescue at Costa Maya and a mile long cruise ship. Brand Ambassador John Heald discusses Carnival's new Relax Away section at Half Moon Cay, highlighting the new pier, free beach chairs, and natural surroundings. Kevin reviews Royal Caribbean's Adventure of the Seas, praising its suite experience, dining, and ports while noting it lacks some newer ships' amenities. 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.

Norwegian Gem Bahamas Review 2026 + Cruise News | Norwegian Cruise Line 31.05.2026 52min

A review of Norwegian Gem on a five night Bahamas cruise from Jacksonville, Florida. Staff writer Richard 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.

Carnival Vista Caribbean Cruise Review 2026 + Cruise News | Carnival Cruise Line 28.05.2026 51min

A review of Carnival Vista. Doug Parker covers cruise industry news with staff writer Richard Simms, including a Carnival Corporation data breach, Costa Cruises' controversial 60 euro fee for removing food from a dining venue, a fake Carnival alcohol notice circulating online, Norwegian's new Great Stirrup Cay water park ticket sales, and a propulsion issue affecting Oasis of the Seas. A listener's question gets answered about Manhattan disembarkation timing. Andrew reviews his six-night Caribbean voyage aboard Carnival Vista, and talks all about the dining, ports of call, entertainment, and tips for solo travelers. 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.

Anthem of the Seas Alaska Cruise Review + Cruise News | Royal Caribbean 21.05.2026 53min

Doug Parker and staff writer Richard Sims discuss major cruise news, including Mexico blocking Royal Caribbean's second Perfect Day destination, a Carnival Spirit assault case resulting in lifetime bans, a hantavirus quarantine situation, incidents aboard Norwegian Luna and Enchanted Princess, and Carnival's new bow crest design. Michael shares his seven-night Alaska cruise experience aboard Royal Caribbean's Anthem of the Seas, covering embarkation, dining, entertainment, port adventures in Juneau, Skagway, Glacier Bay, and Victoria, and practical travel tips for sailing in Alaska. 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.

Norwegian Dawn 2026 Caribbean Review + Cruise News | Norwegian Cruise Line 14.05.2026 39min

This week we cover major cruise industry news, including Carnival's pricing error controversy, an assault incident aboard Carnival Spirit, hantavirus and norovirus outbreaks affecting multiple ships, a tragic mobility scooter accident at Celebration Key, and Disney Adventure's abrupt canceled sailing in Singapore. We also talk to Tony who took a seven-night Western Caribbean cruise from Tampa, and his first solo cruise. He talks about this port days in Cozumel and Harvest Caye, specialty dining, entertainment, and how trip insurance saved him when his flight was canceled due to a winter storm in the Northeast. 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.

MSC Grandiosa Review in Europe + Cruise News | MSC Cruises 07.05.2026 52min

In this episode of Cruise Radio, host Doug Parker and staff writer Richard Simms cover major cruise industry news, including Carnival's loyalty program overhaul, a passenger assault aboard the Carnival Sunrise, a hantavirus outbreak on the MV Hondius, and Norwegian Cruise Line's gratuity increases. They also discuss Alaska's record cruise season and Holland America's ship refurbishment. Guest Jen then shares her firsthand review of the MSC Grandiosa in the Mediterranean, covering embarkation, dining, entertainment, and ports including Tunisia, Sicily, and Marseille, offering practical tips for travelers considering a European cruise experience. 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.

Norwegian Aqua 2026 Review + Great Stirrup Cay Private Island | Norwegian Cruise Line 03.05.2026 1t 9min

In this episode of Cruise Radio, guest Amy shares an in-depth review of her seven-night Eastern Caribbean cruise aboard Norwegian Aqua. She discusses her travel logistics, ship impressions, dining experiences, casino adventures, and time spent in exclusive areas like Vibe Beach Club. Amy also details port visits to St. Thomas, Tortola, and Great Stirrup Cay, offering practical tips and honest feedback on excursions and amenities. 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.

Independence of the Seas 2026 Review + Cruise News | Royal Caribbean Group 30.04.2026 55min

A review of Royal Caribbean's Navigator of the Seas from Port Miami, Florida to the Eastern Caribbean. Staff writer Richard Simms has cruise news on: 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.

Celebrity Apex Caribbean Review 2026 + Cruise News | Celebrity Cruises 23.04.2026 1t 5min

Staff writer Richard Simms cover major cruise industry news and gives us a review of Celebrity Apex from Port Canaveral in March 2026. News highlights include two tragic incidents aboard Carnival Splendor, an update on a murder trial involving Carnival Horizon, Margaritaville banning a couple over a negative TikTok review, Virgin Voyages facing backlash over an itinerary change, AI booking technology announcements, and Princess Cruises ordering three new ships. Richard also gives us a detailed review of the Celebrity Apex, praising its design, suite perks, specialty dining, and entertainment, while recommending Eden restaurant and the Retreat experience above all else. 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.

Celebrity Equinox Review + Trip Insurance Coverage During War | Celebrity Cruises 19.04.2026 47min

Haley shares her experience on a nine-night Mediterranean cruise aboard Celebrity Cruises' Celebrity Equinox, sailing from Barcelona to Spain, Portugal, and Morocco. Haley reviews the ship's service, buffet, and specialty dining, while discussing port days, including visiting a dog shelter in Portugal. She also shares valuable tips on Celebrity's status matching perks and advice for managing jet lag on European cruises. Dan Skilken, President of TripInsurance.com, answers questions about travel insurance coverage for geopolitical events, missed ports, and flight delays. 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. Follow Cruise Radio's Socials: LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook | YouTube | Twitter | Patreon About Cruise Radio: Cruise Radio has been delivering cruise news, ship reviews, and money-saving tips weekly since 2009.

Liberty of the Seas Canada/New England Review + Cruise News | Royal Caribbean 16.04.2026 52min

A review of Royal Caribbean's Liberty of the Seas. Staff writer Richard Simms cover major cruise industry news, including Carnival's $300,000 negligence verdict for over-serving alcohol, Norwegian Cruise Line's $2 million COVID-era settlement, and a tragic murder aboard Carnival Horizon. Updates include MSC Cruises raising gratuities and Holland America's $500 million fleet refurbishment featuring solo cabins. Guest Rob reviews Royal Caribbean's Liberty of the Seas on a nine-night Canada and New England itinerary, highlighting excellent dining, impressive entertainment, and memorable port calls in Boston, Sydney, Halifax, and Saint John. 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. Follow Cruise Radio's Socials: LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook | YouTube | Twitter | Patreon About Cruise Radio: Cruise Radio has been delivering cruise news, ship reviews, and money-saving tips weekly since 2009.

Carnival Radiance Review 2026 + Cruise News | Carnival Cruise Line 09.04.2026 36min

In this episode of Cruise Radio, host Doug Parker and staff writer Richard Sims cover major cruise news, including a video voyeurism arrest on Celebrity Beyond, a fishermen's protest blocking ships in Corsica, a grounding incident in Fiji, Holland America's gratuity increase, Miami's proposed airport-to-port train link, Alaska's Tracy Arm Fjord closure due to a landslide, and recent upgrades to Holland America's ms Koningsdam. Tim from Fargo, North Dakota, shares his review of a spontaneous four-night Carnival Radiance cruise from Long Beach, highlighting dining, entertainment, ports of call, and a pre-cruise stay on the historic Queen Mary. 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. Follow Cruise Radio's Socials: LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook | YouTube | Twitter | Patreon About Cruise Radio: Cruise Radio has been delivering cruise news, ship reviews, and money-saving tips weekly since 2009.