Cruise Radio: Weekly Cruise News & Travel Tips

Earlier this month President Obama announced a new travel-friendly policy with Cuba. This a big step for the United States getting into Cuba since the embargo was put in place over 50 years ago.

With 11.6 million North Americans cruising in 2013, this could be huge for Cuba's economy.

I recently had a chance to sail on Costa Cruises' Costa Mediterreana to the Caribbean. Our 11-night voyage went to Nassau, Bahamas; the Dominican Republic, Tortola, Antigua, St. Maarten, and Freeport, Bahamas. We check in with the International Host aboard the ship and get some cruise passengers' thoughts.

Thoughts or reviews? Email me: doug@cruiseradio.net

On this episode, Jason Leppert from Popular Cruising drops by to chat about the major differences between luxury cruises and a mass market cruises. Having never sailed on a luxury cruise before, this interview was very eye opening.

Travel expert, Jason Coleman, tackles some listener questions on what cruise is the "right" cruise for a family, tipping with infants, and suggestions for using a smartphone at sea.

Thoughts or reviews? Email me: doug@cruiseradio.net

Listener Joe Tolley from Charlotte, North Carolina just returned from a seven-night Eastern Caribbean sailing aboard the 2,974-guest Carnival Conquest, a Conquest-class cruise ship based currently based in Miami.

Joe talks with us about his family's cruise to Nassau, St. Thomas, San Juan, and Grand Turk.

Stewart Chiron, The Cruise Guy® has Cruise News:

• Celebrity orders two new ships
• Carnival offers longer itineraries
• Norwegian partners with Margaritaville
• Virgin cruises
• New CEO Royal/Celebrity
• Voyager of the Seas completes $80m refurbishment

Thoughts or reviews? Email me: doug@cruiseradio.net

Nancy Schretter from the Family Travel Network just returned from a sailing aboard Carnival Cruise Line's Carnival Breeze where she participated in one of the cruise line's signature Carnival LIVE sailings. This particular sailing had country music/Top 40 group Lady Antebellum. Hear all the details of this sailing.

• Norwegian Cruise Lines staying in NOLA through 2018
• New ultra luxury Seabourn ship ordered
• Costa Captain back in court - what's going on with the trial?
• Did we see any black Friday sales that were totally WOW
• Majesty of the Seas leaving Miami
• We're seeing a lot of cruise ships canceling Belize lately because of weather - will we ever see a pier?
• What is the world's busiest cruise port in 2014?

Thoughts or reviews? Email me: doug@cruiseradio.net

"The Canada/New England itinerary had been on our to-do list for several years. We chose this particular sailing because it started in Quebec City, and we really wanted to spend time there pre-cruise (instead of NYC). It also offered more stops in Canada than New England, though it did have the tradeoff of Saguenay/Gaspe vs Saint John NB. This was also our opportunity to book one of the highly desirable aft Caribe deck corner balcony cabins on Ruby Princess. And we wanted to sail during the fall for a chance to see some brilliant fall colors."

Kristin Ladewig from St. Louis, MO recently returned from a 10-night sailing aboard Princess Cruises' Ruby Princess. A sailing that started in Quebec City and ended in New York City. Kristin leaves no stone unturned on this detailed Ruby Princess review.

Thoughts or reviews? Email me: doug@cruiseradio.net

This week we are broadcasting aboard Royal Caribbean's brand new Quantum of the Seas. On this sailing, we put all the brand new features to the test like the RipCord by iFly indoor skydiving, Northstar pod that takes you 300 feet above sea level, and the Seaplex, complete with bumper cars, roller skating, a trapeze school and more.

We also push technology to the test on this voyage where we link of with a listener via Skype to take a couple of questions about the ship, dining, and why someone should sail on it.

Royal Caribbean added to its portfolio of exclusive, groundbreaking onboard experiences that have never before been imagined at sea with a skydiving experience called RipCord by iFly, as well as the engineering marvel North Star, a glass observation capsule that gently rises more than 300 feet in the air to treat guests to dramatic 360-degree views. More "firsts" including bumper cars, a circus school with flying trapeze and roller skating can be found inside SeaPlex, the largest indoor active space at sea. There isn't much you can't do on Quantum of the Seas.

Thoughts or reviews? Email me: doug@cruiseradio.net

This week, we are broadcasting aboard Princess Cruises latest ship, Regal Princess. She was first launched May 2014 in Europe and is now spending the winter and spring in the Caribbean.

The 3,560-guest Regal Princess now begins her maiden season of Caribbean cruises out of Ft. Lauderdale. Among the special features found onboard the ship are a dramatic multi-story atrium serving as the social hub of the ship, offering a host of dining and entertainment options; an over-water SeaWalk, a top-deck glass-bottomed walkway extending 28 feet beyond the edge of the ship; the Princess Live! Television studio; the largest pastry shop at sea; a special Chef's Table Lumiere, a private dining experience that surrounds diners in a curtain of light; Princess Watercolor Fantasy, a fountain and music show; the Night Sky Lounge, a new nighttime experience that enables guests to enjoy a chic and contemporary poolside nightclub under the stars, and balconies on all outside staterooms.

We talk to:

• Gavin MacLeod, Captain Stubing
• Stewart Chiron the Cruise Guy
• Rick Griffin and Sandi McKenna, Midlife Road Trip
• Peter Knego, Maritime Historian
• Phil Reimer, Canada.com
• and more...

Thoughts or reviews? Email me: doug@cruiseradio.net

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to sail the Columbia or Snake Rivers in the Pacific Northwest? These rivers are practically untouched and have some of the best scenery that America can offer, not to mentioned a ton of American history.

This week, we are broadcasting aboard the 88-guest SS Legacy, a coastal replica steamer that sails with UnCruise Adventures. Take a journey with us!

On this broadcast, we talk to:

• Captain off the SS Legacy, Captain Dano
• Heritage Leader/Cruise Director, Ryan
• Cruise Expert at About.com, Linda Garrison
• Savvy Navigator, Jeff Ward
• Editor of Popular Cruising, Jason Leppert

Thoughts or reviews? Email me: doug@cruiseradio.net

This is a not-to-miss episode as we chat with the folks at MTN Communications and talk about staying connected at sea. MTN just launched the website ConnectAtSea.com and it's a portal filled with great information when it comes to your cruise vacation. Whether you're just texting, Facebooking, calling or surfing the web - everyone has to be connected these days.

Brent Horwitz, Senior VP & General Manager, Cruise for MTN joins us to cover all bases about staying connected at sea. There is no stone left unturned in this interview.

Stewart Chiron, The Cruise Guy stops by with Cruise News on:

• Quantum of the Seas is officially Royal Caribbean's and arrived in Southampton this week - how long until she heads westbound to the United States?
• Holland America continues Dancing with the Stars through 2016
• Disney Cruise Line itineraries have been announced for 2016 - anything new?
• Have their been any cancelations or skipped ports overseas because of political unrest or ebola?
• What's the latest talk from China? How's Hong Kong doing?

Listener Question

My wife and I want to go to Alaska on the Celebrity Solstice, when's the best time to go? Is it better to sail out of Seattle or Vancouver; we live in Ontario.

Thoughts or reviews? Email me: doug@cruiseradio.net

For years, the cruise industry has asked boarding passengers to fill out a health questionnaire, primarily to help stop the spread of norovirus. In light of the Ebola concerns, cruise lines today began asking more pointed questions about whether they've had contact with a person with Ebola or someone who helped care for such a patient, according to the CLIA. Theresa Norton Masek is the editor-in-chief of Vacation Agent Magazine and cruise beat writer for TravelPulse.com, she joins us and talks about the ebola virus scare last week on a cruise.

Stewart Chiron, The Cruise Guy stops by with Cruise News on:

• After we recorded last week, the Carnival Magic wasn't allowed into Cozumel because of the hospital worker on board who handled ebola - what was the status on this cruise?
• 102 year old Miami Bar to be featured on upcoming Norwegian Escape
• Bermuda got hammered by a hurricane last weeknd, what's the status and are cruise ships finding new temporary ports?
• Royal Caribbean's Quantum of the Seas getting closer - anything new during her second round of sea trials?
• Royal Caribbean earnings call this week

Listener Question

I want to ask a question and I cant seem to get a straight answer from different sites on the internet,when sailing from New Orleans to Mo Bay Jamaica....Is it possible to see Cuba? The reason I ask is back in 08 we were on the conquest from Galveston to Mo Bay and overheard some people saying that they seen the lights of Cuba as we passed at night. Was that true?

Thoughts or reviews? Email me: doug@cruiseradio.net

On this episode, Jason Leppert, editor of Popular Cruising joins us to talk about his latest experience aboard Princess Cruises' Star Princess, a cruise ship based seasonally on the West Coast. Jason gives us a full review of the itinerary and a bow to stern review of this 950' cruise ship. This Star Princess review includes: dining, entertainment, ports, embarkation, public areas, and first time thoughts.

Star Princess is scheduled to remain based in San Francisco, operating cruises to Mexico and Hawaii.

Stewart Chiron, The Cruise Guy stops by with Cruise News on:

• Cruise passenger quarantined with ebola relation
• Norwegian Escape reveal
• Carnival Vista construction officially underway
• Princess Cruises has a slew of celebrities for their upcoming christening of Regal Princess
• A lot of new enhancements to Royal Caribbean's Oasis of the Seas, you may be surprised
• Norwegian Jewel back in Houston

Listener Question

Joe Tolley in Charlotte, NC: Offsite parking in Miami, I've read some horror stories, should we suck it up and pay the 20 clams/day at the port?

Thoughts or reviews? Email me: doug@cruiseradio.net

On this episode, Jason Leppert, editor of Popular Cruising joins us to talk about his latest experience aboard Norwegian Cruise Line's Pride of America, a cruise ship based year-round in the Hawaiian islands. Jason gives us a full review of the itinerary, the ship, dining venues and entertainment aboard the ship.

Finally, a cruise that over-nights in different ports!

MSC Cruises has launched Inclusive Experiences, a new pricing structure in which guests choose an "experience" based on their own personal preferences and amenities desired while cruising. Valued at up to $700+ per person, guests have the option of selecting from four different experience categories — Bella, Fantastica, Aurea, and MSC Yacht Club — ranging from a la carte to all-inclusive amenities. As a positioned industry expert, Theresa Masek, editor-in-chief of Vacation Agent Magazine, chats with us about the packages and gives her thoughts.

Thoughts or reviews? Email me: doug@cruiseradio.net

Listener Rick from Jacksonville, Florida returns to Cruise Radio to gives us a complete Carnival Sunshine review. Rick gives us his impressions of the ship, the food, entertainment, ports, and some first time cruise tips for Carnival Sunshine.

Emily Kaufman has been a leading expert in travel since her first television appearance in 1996. She currently contributes to The Today Show as a frequent guest, was the travel contributor to Good Morning America, is currently the travel contributor on The Steve Harvey Show, and regularly appears as the travel expert in top 25 TV markets across the country including New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, and more offering practical travel tips and advice. Emily stops by this evening to give us some fall cruise travel advice.

Stewart Chiron, The Cruise Guy® stops by with Cruise News:

• Carnival returning to Cabo for the first time with Carnival Miracle
• Carnival adds steak in dining room for fee
• A college student falls to his death off the mast of Carnival Ecstasy
• Free private dining restaurant will debut on Norwegian Escape
• Princess Cruises debuting a Princess at Sea app aboard Regal Princess
• We're tracking Quantum of the Seas - what is she doing now?

Thoughts or reviews? Email me: doug@cruiseradio.net

Carter and his wife are from Central Florida and just returned on a seven-night Eastern Caribbean sailing aboard Disney Fantasy. Carter joins us to give us a bow to stern review of Disney Fantasy, leaving no stone unturned. Carter covers embarkation, first impressions, the stateroom, dining, entertainment, how the outside of the ship handles itself on sea days, and some first time cruise tips for Disney Cruise Line. You won't want to miss this Disney Fantasy Review.

Jim Berra is the Chief Marketing Officer for Carnival Cruise Lines and joins us to talk about Carnival's Great Vacation Guarantee. Basically if you think the sailing stinks, Carnival will fly you home and refund the cost of the cruise. Turns out you have a better chance of dating a supermodel than using the Great Vacation Guarantee.

Stewart Chiron, The Cruise Guy® stops by with Cruise News:

• Carnival Corp earnings were released – have they finally recovered from their past financial issues?
• Royal Caribbean's new ship - Quantum of the Seas completed it's conveyance – how'd it go?
• Norwegian Escape keel laid – what exactly does this mean?
• Princess to participate in 2015 Rose Parade
• Oceania increasing daily gratuities to $16 per person, per day
• Cabo San Lucas – how is recovery after the hurricane?

Thoughts or reviews? Email me: doug@cruiseradio.net

Listener, Marcy Bucy, from California joins us to give us her review on her latest sailing aboard Carnival Inspiration, a three-night Mexico cruise her family recently took out of Long Beach. Marcy gives us a bow-to-stern review of Carnival Inspiration and talks about the Cheers Beverage program and Faster to the Fun.

Stewart Chiron the Cruise Guy has cruise news on:

• Royal Caribbean is busy over in Europe cutting steel and getting Quantum of the Seas, Anthem of the Seas, and their upcoming ship that they just cut the steel on.
• Carnival's Vacation Guarantee

• Holland America named their new ship - let me guess, it ends in dam?

• Last week we talked about NCL buying a couple new cruise lines - anything new on that front?
• Houston cig and liquor tax and how it's affecting cruise passengers.

Thoughts or reviews? Email me: doug@cruiseradio.net

Jason Leppert is the editor-in-chief of PopularCruising.com and just returned from a seven-night sailing about Celebrity Solstice, a Celebrity Cruises ship that was launched in August 2008 and does seasonal sailing in Alaska. She is currently the largest ship sailing the Alaskan waters. Jason gives us a comprehensive bow to stern review of Celebrity Solstice, the themed Top Chef cruise he was sailing and what it's like living the Celebrity life.

Listener Questions

1. Lauren W. - East TN

We are first time cruisers and would like to know how to pick out our cabin? There are WAAAAAY to many options out there. Any suggestions for a good starting point?

Loyal Cruiser Website

Loyal Cruiser is a consumer facing company dedicated to ensuring the cruise passenger is rewarded for their travel. This simple centralized loyalty program for cruisers is straightforward and easy to understand. We talk to the CEO of LoyalCruise.com, Baron Forbes, to learn all about the company.

Thoughts or reviews? Email me: doug@cruiseradio.net

Theresa Masek, the Editor-in-chief of Vacation Agent Magazine joins us today to talk about her recent shipyard tour of Royal Caribbean's Quantum of the Seas. Theresa gives us 10 awesome new features aboard the upcoming cruise ship.

Stewart Chiron, The Cruise Guy® stops by with Cruise News:

• Norwegian Cruise Line purchases Prestige
• Princess Cruises reveals a trendy night club on upcoming Regal Princess
• Plans for a new pier in Venice - how is this going to play with the cruise ship ban?
• Oasis of the Seas Europe bound - but back next month - what is she doing over there and why is the Europe stint so short?
• Latest from Quantum of the Seas

Listener Question

Submitted to Facebook:

We were unloading our car at PortMiami a few weeks ago and had four bags total - I gave the porter a dollar for each bag and he told me this wasn't sufficient and the charge was $2 per bag. I went ahead and paid the $2 per bag because I didn't want my bag to wind up on the wrong ship! What are the tipping guidelines for curbside porters on embarkation day?

Thoughts or reviews? Email me: doug@cruiseradio.net

Houston-based listener, Sonya Sherow, just returned from a seven-night sailing aboard Carnival Magic, a Carnival Cruise Lines ship based year-round. Sonya gives us a comprehensive review of Carnival Magic, including: embarkation from Galveston, Texas, first impressions of the ship, public areas, stateroom, food, entertainment and the ports of call on this Western Caribbean cruise.

We also tackle three listener questions on how much does a passport cost, how long does it take to get your passport, and ground transportation options between the Miami International Airport and PortMiami. http://www.cruiseradio.net.

Thoughts or reviews? Email me: doug@cruiseradio.net

Kerry Stange joins us this week to give us a comprehensive review of Royal Caribbean largest cruise ship Allure of the Seas. Kerry and his wife recently returned from a seven-night Eastern Caribbean sailing. Kerry goes into detail about embarkation out of Terminal 18 in Port Everglades, first impressions of Allure of the Seas, the stateroom, dining venues, entertainment, and ship experience.

Listener Question:

I am looking for direction on the issue of tipping. We no longer use the Dining Room for our meals. We take our meals in the buffet or specialty restaurants. We are generous with our gratuities at these venues for good service. A large portion of the tipping schedule is for dining room personnel, a service we do not use. What would be your recommendation in dealing with this discrepancy? We are told the gratuities are still circulated amongst all cruise personnel? Do we lessen the amount of tipping collected less the dining room portion?

Cruise Guy has Cruise News on:

• Cunard announces major makeover for Queen Victoria
• What's the status on Royal Caribbean's Quantum of the Seas?
• Carnival Pride is going to operate unique voyages starting October 2015, what are we gonna see?
• CEO of CLIA recently released some norovirus figures - how accurate was this report and what was she trying to prove?

Thoughts or reviews? Email me: doug@cruiseradio.net

Happy 100th Birthday to the Panama Canal! To celebrate, Sunny Lockwood joins us to chat about a book that she and her husband wrote called Cruising Panama's Canal. An interesting read about how a horrifying life accident turned into a trip of a lifetime.

We answer a listener question about Carnival Sunshine, transportation from the Orlando International Airport to the cruise pier at Port Canaveral, and what to do on the ship.

Cruise Guy has Cruise News and talks about Carnival's new island in Haiti, Royal Caribbean's Quantum of the Seas floated out, Regal Princess' Godparents from the Love Boat, Norwegian Cruise Line's more-inclusive package, and a third Royal-class Princess ship on the way. For show notes and book link check out http://cruiseradio.net.

Thoughts or reviews? Email me: doug@cruiseradio.net

This week, we are broadcasting from Southeast Alaska on Holland America Line's ms Westerdam. Along with cruising in Alaska, we are aboard a special Dancing with the Stars themed cruise, with some of the biggest names from ABC's hit television show Dancing with the Stars, both past and present seasons, like: Carson Kressley, Emma Slater, Tristin MacManus, Sabrina Bryan and more. We will talk to Carson Kressley, Emma Slater, the cruise director aboard the ms Westerdam, the onboard travel expert, some passengers and give you our take on the Alaskan cruise and the Dancing with the Stars theme cruise. Sit back, there's a lot of Alaska and star power in the episode!

Thoughts or reviews? Email me: doug@cruiseradio.net

This week, we chat with listener, Don Harlem, who just returned from a 12-night Med cruise on Royal Caribbean's Serenade of the Seas, roundtrip Barcelona. Don gives us a full review of Serenade of the Seas, including: his pre-cruise stay, embarkation from Barcelona, first impressions of the ship, stateroom, dining, entertainment, ports, and his overall thoughts of Royal Caribbean's Serenade of the Seas.

Stewart Chiron, The Cruise Guy® stops by with Cruise News:

• Hollywood actors telling cruise ships to stay away from Italy
• Going, going, gone! So long Costa Concordia
• Carnival Magic going to operate a series of four-six day cruises in Winter 2015, does this show a demand in the TX markets?

Thoughts or reviews? Email me: doug@cruiseradio.net

Jason Leppert from PopularCruising.com recently returned from an 18-night expedition cruise on Silverseas Cruises vessel Silver Discover. His voyage started him out in Asia, he made his way up Russia's eastern coast and to remote parts of Alaska. Jason goes into detail about sailing from the Far East, what his expedition ship was like, the atmosphere surrounding the cruise, ports that stick out and his overall thoughts.

Stewart Chiron, The Cruise Guy® stops by with Cruise News:

• Two more ships for Norwegian Cruise Line
• Norwegian Cruise Line enforcing no smoking policy
• Costa Concordia status
• Celebrity Silhouette is having propulsion issues
• Steel is cut on the Regent Seven Seas Explorer
• Is Florida losing it's homeport advantage?

Thoughts or reviews? Email me: doug@cruiseradio.net

On this episode, we talk to Jason Cohen about his latest cruise on MSC Cruises MSC Divina, a cruise ship that sails from Miami seasonally.

We break down why it's important to have travel insurance.

Stewart Chiron, The Cruise Guy® stops by with Cruise News:

• Carnival changes smoking policy
• Carnival staying in NOLA for another five years
• AIDA ship gets missile debris on deck
• Atlantic City wants cruise ships
• What is all this hype about Tampa and the skyway bridge?
• Question: Since marijuana is legal in Washington state now, is it still illegal to bring on an Alaska sailing embarking from Seattle, Washington?

Thoughts or reviews? Email me: doug@cruiseradio.net

This week, we are broadcasting aboard Carnival Cruise Line's Carnival Freedom, a ship that is based in Port Everglades (moving to Galveston in 2015). We are on an 8-night Southern Caribbean sailing this week. During a recent dry dock Carnival Freedom received Fun Ship 2.0 enhancements and the Seuss at Sea program, including Bookville, a Dr. Seuss character breakfast, parades, story time and photo opportunities. On top of Dr. Seuss, guests will also take part in Guy Fieri's signature Burger Joint, the BlueIguana Cantina, RedFrog Pub and Alchemy Bar. So much to do in so little time!

Thoughts or reviews? Email me: doug@cruiseradio.net

Mickey Live is known across a variety of cruise ships for his unique ways of onboard lectures. Mickey isn't using your typical overhead projector or marker board to teach cruise passengers, he uses modern day technology like GPS and his cutting edge photography skills.

Stewart Chiron stops by with Cruise News: Costa announces Costa Concordia to be removed in July, 11 lbs of cocaine found on Carnival Liberty in Port Canaveral, small fire on Holland America's Westerdam, cruise parking in Galveston starts sparks lawsuit, American Cruise Lines launches new river boat, and low water levels in Europe are getting river cruisers stuck!

Thoughts or reviews? Email me: doug@cruiseradio.net

On this show, we talk to listener Barry who just returned from a sailing aboard Queen Mary 2, on a seven-night transatlantic sailing between New York and Southhampton. Get a full review of this ocean liner.

Also, Carnival Cruise Line's senior matre d, Ken Byrne, gives us his background, the details of his job, and what he loves about it.

Thoughts or reviews? Email me: doug@cruiseradio.net

This week, listener Ashley joins us about her recent sailing on Carnival Fantasy, a five-night Bahamas cruise from Charleston, South Carolina. Hear a detailed review of Carnival Fantasy, her thoughts on dining, entertainment, the ports, and public areas of the cruise ship.

Plus, Cruise Guy has cruise news on: could Royal Caribbean be leaning towards play-to-play entertainment, shipyard fire causes damage to Royal Caribbean's Quantum of the Seas, is the Mexican Rivera region making a comeback, and Holland America Line heading back to Bermuda in 2015.

We'll also answer a listener question about Carnival's all-you-can-drink "Cheers" program and the Faster to the Fun program.

Thoughts or reviews? Email me: doug@cruiseradio.net

On this show, we talk to Jason Leppert of Popular Cruising about cruise ship dining, how its evolved through the years along with some tips and suggestions for your next cruise ship dining experience. Plus Cruise Guy has cruise news about Princess Cruises' newly launched Regal Princess, Holland America Line overhaul, a new Game of Thrones shore excursion offered by Holland America, and more discussion about norovirus and where else it's found. Susan Shultz, Director of Sales for American Cruise Lines, stops by to talk to us about American Cruise Lines, their new ships, and what's new on the horizon for the small river cruise company.

Thoughts or reviews? Email me: doug@cruiseradio.net

On this show, we are broadcasting aboard Carnival Cruise Line's Carnival Liberty. We will talk to the Cruise Director, Shore Excursions Manager about Nassau, Bahamas; St. Thomas, San Juan, Puerto Rico; and Grand Turk, Turks and Caicos. We also talk with some cruise passengers and the owner of Jack's Shack in Grand Turk.

Thoughts or reviews? Email me: doug@cruiseradio.net

Listener, Janet Heaton, just returned from a seven-night sailing on Royal Caribbean's Grandeur of the Seas from the port of Baltimore. Janet talks about embarking from Baltimore, first impressions, public areas, the food, stateroom, entertainment, outdoor areas and the ports.

Cruise Guy has cruise news on MSC Cruises ordering two more ships, Norwegian Jewel out of drydock, Carnival heading to Mexico year-round, Holland America Line dumping two ships, and Disney Cruise Lines heading to Hawaii in 2015.

Thoughts or reviews? Email me: doug@cruiseradio.net

Sherry Laskin returns to the show to talk to us about her recent sailing on Carnival Ecstasy, a Fantasy-class ship that currently does year-round sailings from Miami, Florida to the Bahamas and Western Caribbean. Sherry goes into detail about the food, entertainment, stateroom, thoughts and impressions of Carnival Ecstasy.

Cruise Guy has cruise news on the latest Princess Cruises' ship Regal Princess, Carnival Cruise Lines resigning for another year in Jacksonville, Florida, why we should always use a travel agent, Royal Caribbean laying the keel for Oasis 3, and the announcement of Oasis 4.

Thoughts or reviews? Email me: doug@cruiseradio.net

This week, we are broadcasting aboard Carnival Esctasy for Carnival LIVE. In case you're unfamiliar with Carnival LIVE, it's a concert series of sorts held aboard Carnival Cruise Line Fun Ships. The artist flies to the port, performs on board the ship and disembarks before the cruise ship leaves for the next port of call. On this sailing we got to hear award winning country artist Martina McBride, who is just one of the many acts performing as part of Carnival LIVE.

Thoughts or reviews? Email me: doug@cruiseradio.net

This week, listener Sarah Phillips checks in with a little gem she found on her recent trip to Freeport, Bahamas - The Grand Lucayan Resort. Sarah talks about her experience at the resort as a cruise passenger and if it's worth paying the money to venture over to.

Cruise Guy has cruise news on Carnival Liberty in Port Canaveral, Norwegian Breakaway getting stuck in NYC, MSC Divina going to Europe in 2015 and Regal Princess. Listen and learn!

Thoughts or reviews? Email me: doug@cruiseradio.net

Cruise historian Barry Vaudrin joins us to talk about the Queen Mary, a once famous cruise liner turned hotel in Long Beach, CA. Barry will share with us some history of the cruise ship, things to do and some ghost stories surrounding the historic liner.

Nancy Schretter from the Family Travel Network gives us some things to do in Gavleston, Texas pre and post-cruise.

Thoughts or reviews? Email me: doug@cruiseradio.net

Jason Leppert from PopularCruising joins us to talk about cruise resources to research your next cruise; whether you're a first time cruiser or seasoned cruiser, you'll learn some new sites here.

We had a listener question on Facebook about cruise tipping eqiquette and whether or not a cruise guest should take tips off because they don't eat in the main dining room.

Also, Cruise Guy gives us this weeks cruise news reguarding Royal Caribbean heading to China, Carnival Freedom heading to Galveston, Norwegian Cruise Line revamping their Ultimate Dining Package and a listener question.

Thoughts or reviews? Email me: doug@cruiseradio.net

Listener Janet gives her review of her latest five-night Bermuda sailing aboard Royal Caribbean's Explorer of the Seas. Hear a review of the ship, food, entertainment and her recap of things to do in Bermuda.

Cruise Guy has cruise news on Carnival LIVE, Royal Caribbean sending another ship to Australia, plus the latest Harris poll shows cruise interest is down.

Thoughts or reviews? Email me: doug@cruiseradio.net

Dr. Kris just returned from a seven-night California Coastal cruise on Celebrity Cruises' Celebrity Century. This cruise had a rather unique itinerary with no sea days and ports in California and Mexico. Dr. Kris gives us his review of the ship, the dining, entertainment, ports and his impressions of the ship. Celebrity Century is in her last year of service, set to retire in April 2015.

A big question I get is what to do in Rome for the day? Cruises are usually docked in Civitavecchia (port closest to Rome) for a good 12 hours, but some of that time is ate up in getting to Rome. Sherry Laskin from CruiseMaven.com joins us to gives some sights to see in Rome.

Plus Cruise Guy joins us for Cruise News.

Thoughts or reviews? Email me: doug@cruiseradio.net

Mike Jirout from the popular ShipMate App joins us to talk about the cruise travel app with almost a million downloads, available on both iOS and Android market.

Jason drops by to share his latest venture on Viking River Cruises; looks like Viking placed a world record, again!

Stewart Chiron, the Cruise Guy, has cruise-travel news you can use.

Thoughts or reviews? Email me: doug@cruiseradio.net

We are aboard Norwegian Getaway for the inaugural sailing from her new home in Port Miami. We hear from guests onboard the ship, journalists, and give you a run down of activities, entertainment and dining options. Listen and learn about Norwegian Getaway!

Thoughts or reviews? Email me: doug@cruiseradio.net

Listener Sarah joins us this week to give a comprehensive review of Carnival Sunshine, a ship that recently underwent a $155-million dollar transformation.

Bill Panoff, editor-in-chief of Porthole Cruise Magazine checks in with us about some new things in the publication, MSC Cruises has some big news, and Cruise Guy has our weekly cruise news.

Thoughts or reviews? Email me: doug@cruiseradio.net

We are broadcasting from Cruise Shipping Miami this week at the Miami Beach Convention Center, an annual cruise conference with over 10,000 delegates from around the world. We talk with MSC Cruises, Windstar Cruises, family travel, Guy Harvey stops by the booth, and Cruise Guy.

Thoughts or reviews? Email me: doug@cruiseradio.net

Listener, Tanya Warpula, joins us to give her review of Royal Caribbean's Oasis of the Seas - one of the world's largest cruise ships. Hear all about the ship as she gives a detailed review. Travel expert Chris Elliott just released a new book called "How to Be the World's Smartesat Traveler" and he joins us today to talk all about the book and gives us some helpful travel information. Listen and learn!

Thoughts or reviews? Email me: doug@cruiseradio.net

This week, we are sailing aboard Holland America Line's ms Eurodam as we sail on a 10-night Canada New England cruise. We talk to the key staff members on the cruise ship, passengers and our tour guide in Halifax, Nova Scotia. Listen and learn!

Thoughts or reviews? Email me: doug@cruiseradio.net

We are cruising for a cause this week as we're sailing on Princess Cruises' Ruby Princess on a 5-night Western Caribbean cruise. Princess Cruises has teamed up with the American Heart Association this sailing as we're cruising for a cause! On board are celebrities, cooking, and fitness classes promoting good heart health. On this show we talk to some of those involved, along with the Cruise Director and passengers.

Thoughts or reviews? Email me: doug@cruiseradio.net

Nancy Schretter with the Family Travel Network reviews her seven-night Western Caribbean sailing aboard Norwegian Pearl. Hear a detailed review about the ship, the dining options, entertainment venues, kid's program and the itinerary. Listen and learn!

Thoughts or reviews? Email me: doug@cruiseradio.net

Listeners, Carter and Kristie from Central Florida, join us this week to review Celebrity Cruises' recently refurbished Celebrity Constellation. The couple gives us a run down of the ships, dining options, entertainment and some been-there done-that tips for the cruise ship.

Stewart Chiron, the Cruise Guy, stops by with cruise news on Disney Cruise Line's new internet packages, Carnival's new entertainment program, Royal Caribbean's profits, and the dreaded norovirus. Listen and learn!

Thoughts or reviews? Email me: doug@cruiseradio.net

Listener, Shon Ford, just returned from a voyage aboard Princess Cruises' Grand Princess. Shon goes into detail about the ship, food, entertainment and some tips for wanting to try out Princess Cruise Lines and Grand Princess.

Cruise Guy has cruise news on Carnival, Norwegian Cruise Lines, Royal Caribbean, remodeling of Ocho Rios cruise pier and free internet offered on one cruise line!

Thoughts or reviews? Email me: doug@cruiseradio.net

Starting in April, Carnival LIVE concerts give guests the opportunity to enjoy an exclusive onboard performance by a diverse roster of popular music artists. The concerts will take place on board eight Carnival ships that call in the following ports: Cozumel, Mexico; Nassau, the Bahamas; and Catalina Island, California.

Artists will join the ship in port, perform in the main show lounge, and then debark following the show. Carnival has booked 49 performance dates for the 2014 concert series, including artists such as Chicago, Daughtry, Foreigner, Jennifer Hudson, Lady Antebellum, Martina McBride, REO Speedwagon, STYX and Trace Adkins.

Thoughts or reviews? Email me: doug@cruiseradio.net

This week, we get a listener review of Disney Cruise Line's Disney Wonder.

Plus, we talk to Andrea Farmer with the Kennedy Space Center Visitor's Center down at Port Canaveral. Andrea talks to us about the space program, space center, the orbiter on display and why Kennedy Space Center is such a great cruise opportunity.

Thoughts or reviews? Email me: doug@cruiseradio.net