Cruise Radio: Weekly Cruise News & Travel Tips

This week we get a review of Royal Caribbean's Freedom of the Seas. This was a four-night cruise that called to private island Perfect Day at CocoCay and Nassau, Bahamas. Freedom is one of the Royal Caribbean was one of the ships that conducted a simulated voyage so it could allow more unvaccinated guests to board, most of them being families with kids under 12.

Stewart Chiron the Cruise Guy is sailing in the Aegean Sea on Celebrity Apex this week. We catch up with him while on a sea day between cruise ports.

Thoughts or questions? doug@cruiseradio.net

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Celebrity Apex check-in

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This week are sailing on the first Carnival Cruise Line ship from Florida. This was a six-night Eastern Caribbean cruise from PortMiami to Amber Cove and private island Half Moon Cay.

We speak with:

• Carnival Cruise Line President, Christine Duffy
• Brand Ambassador John Heald
• VP of Beverage Operations, Eddie Allen

Thoughts or questions? doug@cruiseradio.net

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Just back from Celebrity Cruises' first ship revenue sailing back from the United States that took place aboard Celebrity Edge. This was a seven-night Western Caribbean sailing to Mexico and Nassau, Bahamas. In this show we talk about how cruising is different, how is it the same, and what are the major changes.

Thoughts or questions? doug@cruiseradio.net

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This week we broadcast from Celebrity Cruises' first ship to sail from the United States in 15-months, Celebrity Edge. Royal Caribbean Group CEO Richard Fain joins us on the program, along with Stewart Chirson the Cruise Guy.

Thoughts or questions? doug@cruiseradio.net

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This week we talk to Nick who just returned from the very first Royal Caribbean sailing open to U.S. guests from Nassau, Bahamas. He details the process of flying to the Bahamas from Florida, the health protocols in place both in port and onboard, and how the cruising experience compared to pre-COVID times.

Richard has cruise news:

• The state of Florida won the lawsuit against the CDC — What's next?
• The first simulated sailing has officially been completed, what are we hearing?
• Carnival announced they'd be receiving a couple of new additions.
• Royal Caribbean adds fees for unvaccinated cruisers
• A proposed bill could cut Canada's stop out of the itinerary if it were only to satisfy the Passenger Vessel Services Act.
• More Norwegian Cruise Line cancellations

Thoughts or questions? doug@cruiseradio.net

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This week we get a review of Celebrity Millennium. This was the first North American cruise for Celebrity that was open to residents of the United States. The cruise took an interesting turn when two guests onboard the ship tested positive. Luckily, all turned out good and in the end, it proved that the protocols the cruise line has in place worked.

Richard has cruise news:

• Last week it was Celebrity Cruises, this week it's Royal Caribbean that set sail on its first journey welcoming US guests.
• 8 Royal Caribbean crew members from Odyssey of the Seas tested positive, delaying the first cruise.
• Millennium had an isolated incident last week on their first cruise back.
• The state of Florida vs the CDC, what's the latest delay about?
• The Gov of USVI is also for cruise lines asking for vaccine status.

Thoughts or questions? doug@cruiseradio.net

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We check in with Stewart Chiron who is sailing aboard Celebrity Millennium this week from St. Maarten. This is the first cruise open to U.S. residents. We get a glimpse of life at sea, what it's like cruising in 2021, and what about the buffets? Staff writer Richard Simms also discusses Celebrity Cruises' new vaccination policy.

Richard has cruise news:

• The first Caribbean cruise ship to welcome U.S. guests has sailed
• Another ships has been cleared to sail from Florida
• Carnival announces Caribbean restart dates
• A policy change for Carnival guests sailing from Galveston, Texas
• More cancellations for Disney and an app update
• MSC announces restarts dates for North America
• Royal has also announced a handful of ships restarting

Thoughts or questions? doug@cruiseradio.net

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This week we've put together a very special episode of Cruise Radio to honor and celebrate the life of 'The Love Boat' actor Gavin MacLeod, who passed away on May 29 at the age of 90. Best known as Captain Stubing.

You'll hear from a variety of individuals in the cruise industry who were personally impacted by MacLeod throughout the years, and have the chance to listen to an interview I did with him aboard Royal Princess in 2013.

We here at Cruise Radio are grateful for the legacy he's left behind, and are thankful he's in heaven now with Jesus.

Thoughts or questions? doug@cruiseradio.net

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We get a preview of the first cruise to return to the sea from the UK in 14-months. Journalist Dave Monk just returned from a four-night sailing. He discusses the protocols onboard, what dining, the buffets, and the mask situation are like onboard.

Sherry Laskin has cruise news on:

• Royal Caribbean gets permission to cruise
• A tone of optimism from cruise line executives
• The Alaska Tourism Restoration Act passes
• A cavalcade of cruise lines intends to sail Alaska this summer
• Carnival has outlined its Alaska cruise protocols
• Viking gears up for a summer 2021 restart
• Another cruise line extends Bahamas sailings due to an overwhelming response
• Norwegian Cruise Line details its 2021 restart for the US

Listener Question: What is the weather like in Southeast Alaska for late August? — Nicole

Thoughts or questions? doug@cruiseradio.net

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Stewart Chiron the Cruise Guy stops by to unpack the latest developments from the CDC as well as the state of Florida's lawsuit against the agency.

Sherry has cruise news on:

• Judge speaks on State of Florida vs CDC lawsuit
• Royal Caribbean has made some changes for summer cruises
• Alaska cruise bill passes in the Senate, next up is the House
• Carnival's new ship is heading to Florida very soon
• Disney Cruise Line details upcoming ship Wish
• Norwegian Cruise Line shares more about upcoming Norwegian Prima

Listener Q: Is it better to book the new ship right when it goes on sale or give it some time for the people that paid deposits to back out and hope for a lower price? - Jim

Thoughts or questions? doug@cruiseradio.net

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As cruise lines prepare to resume sailings again, we are getting more and more questions about ships, destinations, casinos, and news ships that will be debuting over the next few years.

Sherry has cruise news:

• Good news for cruisers who don't want to wear a mask at the beach.
• Carnival Cruise Line Cancels sailings through July 31, 2021.
• Norwegian Cruise Line details new cruise ship that will debut in 2022.
• Holland America Line ship completes sea trials.
• Norwegian Holdings donate $10 million to Alaska communities
• Azamara cruises release new health and safety protocols for cruise resumption.

Listener Question: What recommendation do you have for a woman who's in her 60s and wants to cruise solo?

To avoid going completely insane during the industry shutdown, I decided to take a land cruise across America. Nancy Schretter from the Family Travel Network interviews me about the road trip to Las Vegas, the Grand Canyon, and the Petrified Forest National Park.

If you're looking for cruise news this week, be sure to check out the daily Cruise Radio News Briefs where you listen to your favorite podcasts or on the Cruise Radio YouTube Channel.

Thoughts or questions? doug@cruiseradio.net

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Get in-depth cruise news and industry insight at www.cruiseradio.net.

We answer your cruise questions: what type of cabin should I book? How do I know what cruise line to pick? Should I buy the stateroom upgrade?

Stewart Chiron the Cruise Guy stops by the unpack the CDC lawsuit and what is happening in Washington DC and Atlanta with the cruise industry.

Thoughts or questions? doug@cruiseradio.net

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Travel insurance is more important than ever now. And policies have changed during the pandemic. Some items that used to be covered may not be covered, as well as certain clauses have been put in place. And finally, what you should you know and consider before booking your next travel insurance policy.

Sherry has cruise news:

• The CDC has raised its warning against traveling to the Bahamas.
• Royal Caribbean introduces a new neighborhood aboard Wonder of the Seas.
• The game of tug of war continues with the cruise industry's future.
• Another cruise line moves closer to all-inclusive pricing.
• Norwegian Cruise Line has detailed a little more of what's to come in terms of buffets and embarkation.
• River cruising is going strong in the United States.

Listener Question: What should we know about getting to the island of St. John when docking in St. Thomas? — Jeff

Thoughts or questions? doug@cruiseradio.net

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• The CDC has changed some rather important guidance.
• Florida is heated and things could get there in Alaska
• More cancellations
• A big payday for one cruise line executive
• A royal ship plans to move to the west coast sooner than expected

Listener Question:

Thoughts or questions? doug@cruiseradio.net

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A review of Royal Caribbean's former cruise ship Empress of the Seas that took place on the vessel's very last sailing with the company.

Sherry Laskin has cruise news:

• Carnival Cruise Line has canceled more sailings.
• Phase two guidance was released from CDC, what did we learn?
• Norwegian Cruise Line is taking its ships offshore, following Royal Caribbean's lead.
• Royal Caribbean has taken delivery of its newest cruise ship.
• We've been talking about this for years and it looks like Venice is finally taking action on cruise ships.
• A new residential cruise ship is closer to becoming a reality.

Listener Q: I just booked an 8-day southern Caribbean cruise on carnival magic going to Aruba, Bonaire, and grand Turk. Was wondering what excursions would be the best that you would recommend?

Thoughts or questions? doug@cruiseradio.net

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We compare and contract cruise vacations to all-inclusive resorts. What is the difference between the two? How are they similar? We get a full over of everything from the stay, dining, excursions, and the overall experience itself.

Sherry Laskin has cruise news:

• Two more Royal Caribbean ships open up for US Bookings
• A cruise industry trade group starts a campaign to restart cruising
• Florida's governor met with cruise line executives down in your neck of the woods on Friday
• Carnival made a bold statement at last week's meeting with government officials, stating they are "America's Cruise Line"
• More ships flock to the UK for a restart
• The future does not look bright for the Queen Mary in Long Beach, California

Listener Question: Cynical question but inquiring minds want to know. I'm a nurse in the northeast and an avid cruiser, what's stopping people from saying they have the vaccination and they really haven't? Will the cruise lines be checking against a national database? Seems like anyone could get their hands on the vax card. - Shirley

Thoughts or questions? doug@cruiseradio.net

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• The show must go on for cruise lines, whether the CDC likes it or not.
• If Nassau, Bahamas or Bermuda isn't your cup of tea, you can head further south.
• Some positive news from the White House regarding the future of travel in general.
• More summer cruise for UK cruisers.
• It was touch and go for an American river cruise ship late last week
• A close call for a Disney Cruise Line and the Victory casino ship.

This week we catch up with Sherry Laskin with a busy week of cruise news.

Sherry has news on:

• The first major cruise line sailing from the United States will now require a vaccination
• More uncertainty for the already struggling Alaska cruise season
• Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings drops the ax on June 2021 sailings
• A scary incident aboard a MSC cruise line ship.
• Two U.S. river cruise lines are back to sailing again
• Royal Caribbean deploys a ship in Los Angelos in 2022

Listener Question #1: What's the difference between a passport card and a regular passport? We are traveling to the Bahamas next summer. -Leeann

Listener Question #2: How kid-friendly of a cruise line is Cunard? We are looking for a family reunion cruise with 30 people, half of them are under 35. - Dave

Thoughts or questions? doug@cruiseradio.net

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What have you been doing since the cruise industry shutdown? We catch up with listener Tommy to see what he's been doing and what are some of the first things he'll do once he gets back to sea.

Sherry Laskin has cruise news:

• One cruise line is looking to homeport in Cozumel.
• And speaking of Cozumel, a gulf coast port is about to receive a big ship.
• Here is one for you, Sherry. One cruise line is giving away a transatlantic voyage for two.
• Port Canaveral continues to gear up for the arrival of Carnival's mega-ship Mardi Gras.
• Princess and HAL opening up a small part of Alaska

Listener Question: How does Carnival Cruise Line's shareholder credit work?

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Thoughts or questions? doug@cruiseradio.net

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Stewart Chiron, The Cruise Guy catches us up to date with some of the decisions the cruise lines have made over the past few months and what the landscape is starting to look like as we start to move into the spring and summer 2021 cruise season.

Sherry has cruise news:

• Two more cruise lines delay sailings into 2021
• The U.S. Transportation Committee asks Canada to help save the Alaska cruise season
• Grand Cayman considers limiting the number of cruise ships
• The upcoming Royal ship will debut in a new homeport in Europe
• Royal Caribbean ship passes an air quality test

Question: What are your thoughts on catching an 11:35 flight out of Miami on disembarkation morning?

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Thoughts or questions? doug@cruiseradio.net

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Carnival Cruise Line released return-to-cruise protocols, then hours later it was rescinded. We break down what the rules initially said and why they were quickly taken down. Some of the protocols touched on gaming, swimming, and onboard activities.

Sherry Laskin has cruise news:

• More cruise line cancellations
• Vaccines are paving the way for future cruise bookings
• MSC detailed some features on a ship that is coming to Miami
• Miami is going green
• One luxury cruise line will require a shot in the arm
• The future is looking bleak for the Queen Mary in Long Beach

Listener Question: I haven't heard anything about NCL Pride of America. Is there any discussion about restarting these cruises at all?

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Thoughts or questions? doug@cruiseradio.net

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A review of Seabourn Sojourn on an 11-night sailing from Vancouver, BC to Anchorage, Alaska on a luxury cruise line. Find out what the difference is between a regular Alaska cruise and taking the luxury route.

Sherry Laskin has cruise news:

• Norwegian Cruise Line cancels sailings through June 1, 2020
• Nassau, Bahamas says cruise ships could start doing test voyages there as early as the spring
• Royal Caribbean is requiring crew members to be vaccinated
• Royal is also remaining bullish on the 2021 Alaska season
• MSC Cruises shows us that the machines are in control

Listener Question: I have a cruise booked for December 2021, and haven't really been shopping around outside of that. My question is, should we expect prices to rise due to ships not filling all the rooms? There is such a pent-up desire to cruise, I'm afraid the competition will be steep for a while. -Kayla

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Thoughts or questions? doug@cruiseradio.net

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We get a review of a cruise aboard Norwegian Epic. This was a seven-night sailing from Rome that hit all the popular ports of call. We learn what it is like sailing Norwegian Cruise Line in Europe and how it differs, if at all, from sailing in the Caribbean.

Sherry Laskin has cruise news:

• Carnival reveals details about a space onboard the upcoming Mardi Gras
• Carnival publishes return to cruise protocols early, then pulls them off the website.
• Mexico is suggesting that some cruise lines homeport in Cozumel
• The future looks grim for the Alaska 2021 cruise season
• Viking Cruises starts construction on the new ship

Listener Question: I am curious about this Titanic II ship. Was wondering if this for real? Mike

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Thoughts or questions? doug@cruiseradio.net

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What will be some of the pros and cons of being the first cruise ship back to sea. Staff writer Richard Simms weighs in on what guests will have to look out for and what we know so far about the return-to-cruise process.

Sherry Laskin has cruise news:

• Two US-based river cruise lines will now require the COVID vaccine for crew and guests.
• Carnival Cruise Line breaks ground on a new cruise terminal at PortMiami.
• NCL is sending crew members back home until they get more guidance on resuming sailings.
• MSC takes delivery of their latest cruise ship.
• One cruise line is bringing sports betting to sea
• If you miss Freeport, Bahamas, you can now get there with a negative test.

Listener Question: Will the CDC still have jurisdiction to enforce the mask mandate when the ship is in international waters? Or would a mandatory vaccine allow the cruise lines to avoid the mandate?

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Thoughts or questions? doug@cruiseradio.net

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We get a review of Princess Cruises' Sky Princess. This was a 14-night cruise that consisted of a back-to-back seven-night to the Eastern and Western Caribbean, stopping at all the popular islands.

Sherry Laskin has cruise news:

• Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings is getting closer to having all crew members vaccinated
• Carnival Cruise Line delays a few dry docks and pushes the inaugural sailing of Mardi Gras
• One cruise ship goes from one cruise line to another
• The cancellations already start for the 2021 Alaska cruise season
• Celebrity pulls a ship from Europe and repositions it to the Caribbean for summer 2021

Listener Question: Are the perks really worth it? It seems like it's actually cheaper buying the perks a la carte instead of all-inclusive pricing.

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Thoughts or questions? doug@cruiseradio.net

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Over the past few weeks, we've spent quite a bit of time talking about the health and safety protocols that are going to be put in place when sailing resumes. But one thing we haven't really discussed is what the port situation will be like and how it will impact cruising. Joining me to dive into this a little deeper is staff writer Richard Simms.

Sherry Laskin has cruise news:

• Royal Caribbean sells a cruise brand
• Norwegian Cruise Line extends its cancellations
• Two former Carnival Cruise Line ships are getting scrapped
• COVID test requirement are coming for all people entering the United States
• A bucket list cruise for 2023

Listener Question: I currently have a Disney Cruise scheduled for Aug 28th and only have paid the deposit. Do you think I should pay the balance or wait till closer to the due date in April?

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Thoughts or questions? doug@cruiseradio.net

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An Alaskan cruise on the Alaska Marine Highway System this past fall. How much is this like a real cruise ship? We find out.

Sherry Laskin has cruise news:

• Two more cruise lines have announced cancellations
• Popular cruise director trades sea for land
• The ruling on banning large cruise ships could be overturned
• European brands adds new ship during shutdown
• Carnival earnings report shows big loss

Listener Q: When cruising finally does resume (whenever that might be), do you anticipate that proof of completion of COVID-19 vaccine will be required before boarding? Also, do you anticipate cruise lines requiring rapid COVID tests and temperature checks as part of the embarkation process?

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Thoughts or questions? doug@cruiseradio.net

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Is the cruise industry getting a fair shake by media outlets? We discuss a land-side outbreak that received minimal coverage while the cruise industry continues to get hammered.

Sherry Laskin has cruise news:

• Carnival Cruise Line cancels more cruises in 2021
• Cruise ships are starting to make their way back to the west coast
• Viking Cruises announces the godmother of an upcoming ship
• A 55-year-old ship is getting scrapped
• Carnival earn a few more travel awards in 2020

Listener Question: Is there a wave season in 2021?

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Thoughts or questions? doug@cruiseradio.net

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Cruise news with Doug Parker and Sherry Laskin. Happy New Year! Date: January 2, 2021

The final show of 2020 brings the year full circle. We talk with a handful of cruisers and industry experts on the positives that came from the proverbial year from hell.

Carnival Cruise Line's Brand Ambassador John Heald, Sheri from Cruise Tips TV, Nancy Schretter from the Family Travel Network, Matt from Royal Caribbean Blog, Cruise Radio Staff Writer Richards Simms, Cruise Writer Ashley Kosciolek, and Cruise Radio Listener Dr. Kris all drop by to share their thoughts of 2020.

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Thoughts or questions? doug@cruiseradio.net

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We talk about seven of the hottest ships debuting in 2020.

Sherry has cruise news:

• Carnival Cruise Line's Mardi Gras was officially delivered
• Royal Caribbean sells two cruise ships
• Royal Caribbean gives $40 million in loans to travel agents
• The bitcoin cruise ship is headed to the scrapyard
• Costa Cruises debuts a new cruise ship

Listener Question: Should we park at the port or an offsite lot?

Norwegian Cruise Line Holding's CEO Frank Del Rio has been tossing the idea of all cruise guests receiving an immunity passport. Basically, you would have to receive the COVID-19 vaccine to cruise. Is that legal? Are cruise lines allowed to do that? We discuss.

Sherry Laskin has cruise news:

• Carnival Panorama is headed back to North America
• Virgin Voyages delays both new ships into 2021
• NCL looking to make guests get a vaccine to cruise
• You can lease a cruise cabin by the day, week or month
• Princess Cruises gives a money-back guarantee

Listener Question: What can we do in Port Canaveral for four days?

What is the status of Holland America Line's return to service?

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Thoughts or questions? doug@cruiseradio.net

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John Phillips from KABC in Los Angeles drops by in-studio to talk about his thoughts on cruising, when he thinks it will resume, and the cruising situation out in California.

Date: December 13, 2020

A seven-night review of Norwegian Epic from San Juan, Puerto Rico that was taken in early 2020.

Sherry has cruise news:

• Carnival delays dry dock for three ships
• Carnival Breeze comes back to Florida
• Royal Caribbean debuts contact-tracing bracelet
• First Royal Caribbean back has a COVID scare
• Norwegian goes fleet-wide with clear air units

Listener Question: Should we take the future cruise credit or the full refund for our canceled cruise?

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Thoughts or questions? doug@cruiseradio.net

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Most of us just accept the cruise contract and go on with our cruise vacation. But did you know there are some items buried in the ticket contract, otherwise known as the Contract of Carriage? We break down nine surprises you may find hidden in your long cruise ticket contract.

Sherry has cruise news:

• Royal Caribbean has officially started cruising again
• Carnival gave some good news for cruisers with canceled sailings
• Cruise line gives away drink package to qualified guests
• Royal Caribbean's next ship has floated out
• Viking Cruises has hired a highly-decorated veteran for a new position

Listener Question: We are a family of five and are all booked in the same cabin for late 2021. How involved is it to get our kids their own stateroom? - Lori, SD

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Thoughts or questions? doug@cruiseradio.net

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A review of Norwegian Jade. This was not your average Norwegian Cruise Line sailing. The annual Star Trek cruise went to where no man has gone before. We get a comprehensive review of the cruise ship, the theme cruise, and the ports of call this ship went.

Sherry has cruise news:

• The first ship to permanently return to Miami during the shutdown has arrived.
• CDC elevates travel warning but nothing new
• Disney Cruise Line delays returning to service in 2021
• The shutdown isn't slowing down shipbuilding
• Carnival launches Operation Happy Holidays

Listener Question: Is there any benefit of a solo cabin on NCL if it's almost the same price as a regular cabin?

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Thoughts or questions? doug@cruiseradio.net

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A seven-night review of Carnival Panorama. As of 2020, this is the newest Vista-class cruise ship for Carnival Cruise Line. The seven-night Mexican Riveria cruises sailed from Long Beach, California. We get a detailed review from embarkation, the sailing experience, to the ports of call that were visited.

Sherry has cruise news:

• SeaDream Yacht Club was forced to cancel the rest of its 2020 Caribbean season
• Carnival Cruise Line cancels sailings through January 2021
• Royal Caribbean had an overwhelming interest in test voyages
• Two Royal mega-ships are heading to Alaska in 2022
• Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line could be in some financial trouble
• A former Carnival ship leaves one cruise line for another

Listener Question: Why won't it let me use onboard credit before my cruise? I'm trying to purchase the drink package before my sailing.

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Thoughts or questions? doug@cruiseradio.net

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A review of Celebrity Equinox for a seven-night Western Caribbean cruise. This was the last sailing the Equinox did before the shutdown. We get a review of the ship, the onboard experience, and what it was like sailing on the last voyage before the shutdown.

Richard has cruise news:

• Carnival Cruise Line removed cruises longer than seven-nights off its website - what does this mean?
• One cruise line is going for a more all-inclusive experience
• Norwegian Cruise Line released earnings this week — what stood out?
• Key West has shown the world they do not like cruise ships
• The much talked out cryptocurrency cruise ship has opened bids for you to own a cabin — how is it looking so far?

Listener Question: What can you tell us about Carnival's shore excursion best price guarantee?

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Thoughts or questions? doug@cruiseradio.net

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A 2020 review of Norwegian Breakaway to the Eastern Caribbean. This was a seven-night honeymoon cruise was from PortMiami. On top of it being the start of a new life, this was the husband's first time ever on a cruise ship. We get a comprehensive review of the ports of call, the dining, entertainment, and the overall cruise experience.

• Cruise lines are now part of the 2020 cancel culture
• The no-sail order has expired, but now we have a conditional sail order in its place
• A new medical testing laboratory is on a Viking Ocean cruise ship
• Upgrades have been spotted at Port Everglades during the shutdown
• The Bahamas now requires a special health travel visa to visit

Listener Question: Our Bahamas cruise was canceled for December, can we still fly to Nassau, Bahamas? - April

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Thoughts or questions? doug@cruiseradio.net

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The U.S. Centers for Disease Control announced on Friday that they would be lifting the no sail order on October 31. Cruise industry analyst Stewart Chiron stops by to break down what happens next and how long will it be until cruise ships will actually sail again in North America?

Date: November 1, 2020

A review of Carnival Glory. This was a seven-night sailing to Key West and the Bahamas from New Orleans. We get all the highlights of this Caribbean cruise plus a review of the Chef's Table.

Richard has cruise news on:

• Carnival starts restaffing ships
• Florida's governor onboard for reopening the cruise industry
• Virgin Voyages axes another round of sailings
• Alaska's state representative wants to change legislation to save the cruise industry
• Another cruise in Europe was sent packing for dipping out on an excursion

Listener Question: If I move my reservation from Carnival personal vacation planner to travel agent, will I lose my onboard I received from my canceled sailing?

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Thoughts or questions? doug@cruiseradio.net

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Have you ever wanted to live on a cruise ship? It can now happen. An entrepreneur in Panama bought a Carnival Corporation cruise ship that was for sale and is turning it into floating condos at sea. We learn all about this deal and how you can bid on a condo at sea starting at $25,000.

Richard has cruise news on:

• A Federal Judge tries to delay Carnival Corporation from returning to service
• Royal Caribbean outlines what returning to cruise will look like in Asia
• Royal Caribbean trademark a device called a "tracelet"
• One cruise line says they are returning on December 18, 2020
• Carnival Cruise Line ship comes to the aid of a sinking boat

Listener Question: I don't see any sailings from Florida to Bermuda, why is that?

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Thoughts or questions? doug@cruiseradio.net

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A five-night cruise out of Miami on Disney Cruise Line's Disney Magic. The cruise went out of PortMiami to the Bahamas. We get a comprehensive review of the ship and what Marvel at Sea days are like. This was the very last cruise for Disney before the cruise industry shutdown in the United States.

Richard has cruise news on:

• Carnival Cruise Line also extended cancellations through November 2020
• Mardi Gras completes sea trials in the Baltic Sea
• Celebrity Apex arrives the Bahamas and readies for cruises
• Another cruise ship debuted for the UK
• Florida mayor reaffirms commitment to the cruise industry's restart
• A cryptocurrency cruise ship could be coming soon

Listener Question: I have a Norwegian Cruise Line Cruise Next certificate, but it's about to expire. What should I do?

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Thoughts or questions? doug@cruiseradio.net

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Take a luxury cruise to the Baltic this week aboard Silversea Cruises' Silver Spirit. This was an 11-night Baltic Cruise.

Richard has cruise news on:

• The CDC extends no sail order
• More Caribbean cruise cancellations
• Mandatory testing for all cruise passengers and crew
• New cruise ship heading for North America
• Cruise ship captain smacks down an internet troll

Listener Question: When will we see a more detailed view of what the new health protocols will look like by individual companies?

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Thoughts or questions? doug@cruiseradio.net

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This is a seven-night review of Celebrity Summit from San Juan to the Eastern Caribbean. The cruise was expected to sail round trip from Puerto Rico but due to COVID-19, authorities did not let the ship back into San Juan. Instead, the cruise ended in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. This seven-night cruise turned into a nine-night.

Richard Simms has cruise news:

• CDC and the cruise ship ban
• False Alarm on a European ship that resumed service last month.
• Virgin Voyages pushed their return day back.
• Carnival Mardi Gras is one step closer to Florida
• Princess Cruises takes delivery of its newest ship.

Question: Is it true that you have to pay more for drinks while the ship is docked in port vs out to sea?

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Thoughts or questions? doug@cruiseradio.net

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Glenn Aprile is a member of the design team for Carnival Cruise Line's upcoming Mardi Gras. Recently they just developed a new atrium concept for the Grand Central zone of the ship. Glenn talks about the design concept and why certain changes were made.

Date: September 27, 2020

A 7-night review of MSC Seaside. This cruise went to San Juan, St. Maarten, and Nassau, Bahamas. We get a comprehensive review of the ship and the Eastern Caribbean ports of call.

Richard Simms has cruise news:

• Return to cruising plans have been submitted to the CDC
• Carnival Cruise Line debuts a new atrium for Mardi Gras
• One of the founders of Norwegian Cruise Line passes
• Princess Cruises is selling ships
• Virgin Voyages announced longer itineraries

Question: How likely is it that cruises will only go to private islands and the Bahamas for the foreseeable future?

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Thoughts or questions? doug@cruiseradio.net

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Get in-depth cruise news and industry insight at www.cruiseradio.net.

We get behind the scenes look of a cruise terminal and find out what happens on embarkation day, how luggage gets sorted, and what really makes tempers flare at boarding.

Date: September 20, 2020

A 2020 review of Norwegian Sky. This was a four-night cruise out of PortMiami that went to Nassau, Bahamas, and a scheduled stop at Great Stirrup Cay (which unfortunately was missed because of weather).

A new entertainment option was rolled out this week involving cruise directors, we talk with the creators.

Richard Simms has cruise news:

• A handful of ships won't be returning until early 2021
• Royal Caribbean says Australian and New Zeland are done until next year
• Carnival Corporation said they are selling more ships
• A small Alaskan cruise destination has been nominated for Seatrade Cruise Awards
• A cruise ship delay for Disney Cruise Line

Question: Do you think cruise lines will make a big push to add a lot of smart technology in order to eliminate "touchpoints" in staterooms and throughout their ships?

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Thoughts or questions? doug@cruiseradio.net

Want daily cruise news? Subscribe to the Cruise Radio News podcast feed.

Get in-depth cruise news and industry insight at www.cruiseradio.net.