Cruisella Talks Ship

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.

Choosing a cruise that works for everyone is not always straightforward. In this episode Cruisella breaks down how and why the Norwegian Star made the cut — a group sailing spanning a wide range of ages and mobility needs, first time cruisers included. From the itinerary length to the port of departure, we cover what factored into the decision and why the Norwegian Star checked the right boxes for...

Before Cruisella sets foot on the Norwegian Star, she’s hitting the reviews. In this first episode of the All Aboard series, it’s all secondhand — Find out what past guests are saying. The journey starts here.

How to pack liquids correctly for a smoother airport experience as you prepare to board your next cruise

Can you really do a cruise with just a carry-on? Yes — and in this episode we show you exactly how. From clothing and footwear to toiletries, documents, and packing strategy, we cover everything you need for a warm weather cruise without checking a single bag. Whether you’re heading to the Caribbean, Mediterranean, Bahamas, or Hawaii, this episode will save you money on baggage fees, time at the c...

In this episode we’re heading to Tampa, Florida — one of the Gulf Coast’s most underrated cruise ports. I’m sailing out of Tampa in March and flying in from Canada, so this one covers the basics of getting oriented in the city, the distance from the airport to the port, and a few highlights worth checking out if you have time before you board. Practical, straightforward, and useful whether you’re...

In this episode of Cruisella Talks Ship, we talk at a high level about some key pieces you may want to consider when researching cruise ships. Whether you’re traveling with family members or groups with different ages or energy levels, this content is meant to help you: •Understand the difference between base fare and real cost •Identify spaces and activities that work for different energy levels...

Not the newest builds — the ones with real mileage behind them. Seasoned ships with rhythm and character — and what that means for the onboard experience. We explore how time shapes design, service, community, and value.