Cruisella Talks Ship

A quick thought about shore excursions — the timing, logistics, and all the moving pieces that happen behind the scenes.

A recent incident aboard MSC Divina made headlines after an unauthorized announcement was broadcast over the ship’s PA system. In this episode, we look at what has been publicly confirmed, what MSC Cruises has said about the incident, and why stories like this are so unusual. As always, the focus is on verified information from reputable sources available at the time of recording.

If you’re visiting Bermuda on a cruise and planning to stay close to the Royal Naval Dockyard, you might be surprised by just how much there is to discover within walking distance. In this episode of Cruisella Talks Ship, we’ll explore the National Museum of Bermuda, Commissioner’s House, the Clocktower Mall, local artisan shops, Dockyard Glassworks, Frog & Onion Pub, Snorkel Park, harbour vie...

If Bermuda is on your upcoming cruise itinerary, one of the biggest questions is which beach to visit. In this episode of Cruisella Talks Ship, we’re taking a closer look at four of Bermuda’s best-known beaches—Horseshoe Bay, Warwick Long Bay, Tobacco Bay and Elbow Beach. We’ll talk about where each one is, how to get there from the Royal Naval Dockyard, and what makes each beach a little differen...

Have you ever wondered why some cruise ships don’t have a Deck 13? Or how ships stay so stable in rough seas? In this special 50th episode of Cruisella Talks Ship, we’re exploring a few of the questions that many cruisers have—but don’t often think to ask. We’ll take a look at how ships decide which side of the pier to dock on, why some ships have full wraparound promenade decks while others don’t...

Before recording this episode, I spent time reading Cruise Critic discussions, passenger reviews and cruise forums looking for one thing: the foods that cruisers kept recommending by name. From Carnival’s Guy’s Burger Joint and Warm Chocolate Cake to Princess pizza, Holland America’s bread pudding and a few surprises along the way, these are the dishes that continue to come up in conversations lon...

Norwegian Aqua and Star of the Seas are two of the newest ships in mainstream cruising. In this episode, we’re taking a look at where they fit within their cruise lines, where they’re sailing, and some of the new features you’ll find onboard.

What should you do during your first hour on a cruise? In this episode of Cruisella Talks Ship, I’m sharing why I think the first sixty minutes on board are some of the most enjoyable of the entire trip. From wandering the ship and finding your bearings to that first meal, first ocean view and first umbrella drink, this is your reminder that you don’t have to rush. Sometimes the best way to begin...

Nearly fifty episodes in, a moment to say thank you, welcome new listeners, and talk about what this show is built on — real trips and the honest experience, from someone who’s been on board and taken notes.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

Norwegian Prima’s Ocean Boulevard is more than just a walkway. It’s one of the ship’s most unique outdoor spaces. In this episode of Cruisella Talks Ship, I’m taking you on a walk around Deck 8, stopping at the race track, mini golf, The Stadium, Oceanwalk and the infinity pools. If you’re sailing on Norwegian Prima, this episode will help you get your bearings before you step on board. Next time,...

A look back at a January 2024 sailing aboard the MSC Meraviglia — nine nights roundtrip out of Brooklyn, covering Port Canaveral, Miami, Nassau, and Ocean Cay. We cover the ship’s history, its run as New York’s year-round MSC vessel, and where it’s headed

Three common cruise questions answered simply. Cruise fares can be confusing, especially when you're trying to budget, coordinate travel with family, or decide whether cruising solo is right for you. In this listener Q&A episode, I answer three common questions: • What costs should you expect onboard beyond your cruise fare and travel to the port? • Can families or groups book cabins near each...

Most people plan their cruise around the big stuff — the ports, the dining, the main theatre shows. But some of the best entertainment onboard happens in a lounge, costs nothing extra, and doesn’t need a reservation. In this episode we’re talking about three things that don’t always make it onto the planning radar — trivia, game shows and comedy — what they look like on a mainstream cruise ship an...

In this episode I am reviewing Norwegian Cruise Line as a brand after sailing the Prima, the Star and the Jewel in the span of six months — with three very different travel groups. I share what I loved, what I didn’t, what the cruising community is saying about NCL right now and where I land on the brand overall. As promised in this episode — if you are travelling on the Norwegian Prima with prete...

Eighty-two percent of people who cruise say they’ll do it again. This episode looks at why — the research behind what makes cruising one of the most repeat-booked vacation formats in the world. Then we tackle three cruise myths that have overstayed their welcome: is it really too expensive? Is it just for older travelers? And will you get seasick? With information and facts from CLIA’s 2025 State...

A sea day without a plan has a way of disappearing. This episode breaks down how cruise ships run on days at sea — what’s open, when it fills up, and how to use the time well. Useful for first-time cruisers and anyone building their sea day routine. Amenities, venues, and schedules vary by ship and cruise line — always check your daily program or deck plan for what’s available on your sailing.

This episode exists because not everything on a packing list is created equal. It covers the documents, medications, and logistics that actually matter, including a story from a recent trip that made it onto the list for a reason.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

Bermuda is 24 miles long, divided into nine parishes, and works by its own rules. This episode breaks down the island from west to east — starting at the Royal Naval Dockyard and ending at the UNESCO-listed Town of St. George — covering the pink sand beaches of the south shore, how the bus and ferry system works, what currency to carry, and why you can’t rent a car. A practical orientation for any...

The Norwegian Jewel is now homeported at PhilaPort — the Port of Philadelphia. In this episode, we break down everything you need to know about the ship: when it was built, how big it is, where it was before landing in Philly, where it sits in NCL’s lineup, its most recent updates, and a quick tour of what’s on board. We also cover what the Jewel is sailing — Bermuda and Canada & New England i...

A quick look at what’s coming after disembarking from NCL Norwegian Jewel: driving from Canada to Philadelphia, Philaport and the Clarion embarkation process, Bermuda, Charleston, our anniversary cruise as a couple, and also: onboard doctor. Everyone is fine. Ship happens.

What Cruises Really Cost: Gratuities Explained Ever wondered what that daily service charge on your cruise bill actually covers — and where the money goes? In this episode, we break down everything you need to know about cruise gratuities: what they are, how much each major cruise line charges, who receives the money, and what happens if you remove them. Whether you’re a first-time cruiser trying...

A no-rules approach to feeling good on your cruise vacation

May is one of the more underrated months to cruise and this episode breaks down why. From the Mediterranean and the Caribbean to Alaska, Bermuda and the Baltic — we cover the weather, the crowd levels, which lines are sailing where, and what makes each destination worth considering this time of year. Plus a note on hurricane season and why May sits in a reasonable window for Caribbean sailings.

What do experienced cruisers collect? This episode digs into the cruise collecting world — from keycards and magnets to ship models, pins and local port finds. Whether you’re already building a collection or haven’t thought about it yet, there might be something here that turns you into a collector.

This episode covers some of our time onboard the Norwegian Star — the ship, the entertainment, the activities, and everything in between. From seat selection at the shows to the quieter corners of the ship worth seeking out, this is a look at what part of the onboard experience actually felt like on our March 26 sailing out of Tampa.