Cruise Radio: Weekly Cruise News & Travel Tips

Doug Parker and cruise correspondent Richard Simms discuss the latest cruise news, including Carnival's new express dining, Princess Cruises' gratuity increases, and a proposed Tampa mega terminal. They also cover a man overboard false alarm and entertainment updates from Royal Caribbean and Norwegian.  Guest Daniel reviews his seven-night luxury cruise on MSC's Explorer One, sharing insights on t...

In this Cruise Radio episode, Doug Parker and staff writer Richard Simms cover cruise news about:  Conflict in the Middle East Cruise line financials  Private island news from Norwegian Cruise Line Drink package news from Royal Caribbean  Brian gives us a recap of his six-night solo sailing on Royal Caribbean's Harmony of the Seas from Galveston. Brian shares insights on booking, embarkation, and...

Doug Parker interviews Madison about her seven-night family cruise on Norwegian Cruise Line's new Prima-plus class ship, Norwegian Aqua, sailing from New York City to Bermuda. Madison shares detailed insights on embarkation logistics, stateroom comfort, the different dining experiences, onboard entertainment, and memorable Bermuda excursions. She offers practical tips for booking shows, specialty...

A review of Princess Cruises' Sky Princess. This was a 14 night land of the midnight sun cruise from Southampton, UK up to Norway and back.  Staff writer Richard Simms has cruise news on the latest events with Carnival Cruise Line in Mexico, a lawsuit against Princess Cruises, a former Norwegian Cruise Line employee arrested, Carnival's new onboard lotto.  Sponsor Cruise line protection is designe...

Tim talks about his eight night sailing on Carnival Magic to Aruba, Bonaire, and Curacao in the Southern Caribbean. This ABC cruise left from Port Miami and had an extended stay at each of the islands lasting into the evening.  Doug Parker and cruise news reporter Richard Simms discuss major cruise industry updates. Sponsor Cruise line protection is designed to help if you can't take your cruise. ...

In this Cruise Radio episode, Doug interviews Rick about his recent transatlantic voyage on Cunard's Queen Mary 2, sailing from Southampton to New York. Rick shares highlights including pre-cruise adventures in London and Paris, smooth embarkation, stateroom selection, dining experiences, and unique onboard amenities like lectures, a planetarium, and a vast library. He describes witnessing whales,...

In this episode of Cruise Radio, host Doug Parker and staff writer Richard Simms cover the latest cruise news, including dramatic man-overboard incidents, a major Carnival IT outage, a man unhappy with an onboard purchase, and cruise line Royal Caribbean Group shareholder updates.  A review of Royal Caribbean's Odyssey of the Seas during a festive New Year's Eve sailing. Jason shares insights on e...

A review of a Hawaii cruise on Norwegian Cruise Line's Pride of America.  Richard has cruise news on:  Carnival Hikes Gratuities & Drink Package – Starting April 2, gratuities rise to $17/day in standard rooms and $19/day in suites. Bottomless Bubbles soda package also increases to $11.99/day. Trevi Fountain Adds Entry Fee – Visitors must now pay $2.40 to get close to Rome's iconic fountain; local...

In this episode of Cruise Radio, host Doug Parker and staff writer Richard Simms discuss the latest cruise industry news. Topics include:  Norwegian Cruise Line's first overnight docking at Great Stirrup Cay. The impact of Winter Storm Fern on cruise itineraries, and the importance of travel insurance. Royal Caribbean debuts cruise ship earlier than planned MSC developing a Freeport cruise port on...

A review of Norwegian Getaway in 2026. Plus staff writer Richard Simms 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 . Follow Cruise Radio's Socials: LinkedIn   | Instagra...

In this episode of Cruise Radio, host Doug Parker and staff writer Richard Simms cover the latest industry news, including Royal Caribbean's extended suspension of Haiti port calls, norovirus outbreaks, Norwegian Cruise Line branding changes, and the end of free cabin upgrades or "upgrade fairy." Ryan shares a detailed review of his five-night Carnival Paradise cruise, highlighting his suite upgra...

In this episode of Cruise Radio, Ralph shares an in-depth review of his seven-night cruise on MSC Grandiosa, a ship that recently started sailing from Port Canaveral, Florida after repositioning from Europe.  He discusses embarkation, ship design, cabin comfort, dining experiences, entertainment, and port visits. Ralph highlights the ship's European and Latin influences, standout live music, Cirqu...

A review of Carnival Venezia on a nine-night Caribbean cruise from New York City. Staff writer Richard Simms has cruise news. TripInsurance.com president Dan Skilken answers some listener question. 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....

This week on Cruise Radio, we cover cruise news along with a ship review of Disney Wish. Stories include a rescue at Celebration Key, Hawaii's new cruise passenger tax, and changes at Norwegian Cruise Line's private destination, Great Stirrup Cay. In this episode: A four-year-old fell between Carnival Sunrise and the pier at Celebration Key and was rescued by her mother and crew members  Hawaii im...

A seven-night cruise on Royal Caribbean Symphony of the Seas from Bayonne, New Jersey to Florida and The Bahamas. This cruise had a stop in Nassau, Port Canaveral, and Perfect Day at CocoCay.  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. Compa...

An eight-night review of Carnival Panorama from Long Beach, California to the Mexican Riviera.  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   | I...

A review of the newly launched Celebrity Xcel on a two night preview cruise from Port Canaveral. Hear first impressions of the fifth Edge-class ship.  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  TripInsura...

A review of the brand new Star Princess, the second Sphere class. 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...

A review of Norwegian Jade on a repositioning cruise from Vancouver to San Diego, California, with stops in Southeast Alaska and the Pacific Northwest. Staff writer Richard Simms has this week's 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 unexpect...

A review of the inaugural cruise of Disney Destiny.  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 |...

A review of a five night Western Caribbean cruise on Carnival Valor to Progresso, Mexico and Cozumel from New Orleans. Staff writer Richard Simms 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% a...

A Bahamas review of Norwegian Escape. Richard Simms has cruise news. Learning about how travel insurance impacts passengers during air traffic control delays and flight cancellations. 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...

Margie gives a review of her second Virgin Voyages cruise. This time she sailed from Athens on an eight-night Greek Isles cruise in a balcony cabin. Staff writer Richard Simms 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. Comp...

A review of the ABC islands from Dale. He sailed Celebrity Reflection earlier this year out of Port Everglades. This was his first time sailing with Celebrity Cruises. Staff writer Richard Simms 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 unex...

A review of a three-night cruise of MSC Seashore from Port Canaveral. Staff writer Richard Simms 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 . Follow Cruise Radio's Soci...