The Port 2 Port Podcast

Join Ronan Ryan for the Season 3 finale of Port2Port. This episode follows a guided shore excursion in Hirosaki, Japan, exploring the historic Hirosaki Castle, where we witnessed the main keep temporarily moved for foundation repairs. Stroll the serene castle grounds and take in the craftsmanship and history of this iconic site. Next, step inside the Neputa festival float display, featuring intric...

On this episode of Port2Port, I take you through our relaxed, go-with-the-flow day in Hakodate, Japan — one of the easiest ports to explore independently. With no excursion booked, we stepped off the ship straight into the city center, wandered past fresh fish stalls and giant seafood tanks, tapped onto the local tram with our Suica cards, and spent the day discovering Hakodate at our own pace. Fr...

In this episode of Port2Port, I’m taking you with us to Busan, South Korea — a stop we explored completely on our own, without booking a single excursion. We arrived into port under the stunning Busan Harbor Bridge before taking the free shuttle into the city and navigating the subway like locals. From diving into the world of Korean skincare at Olive Young, to relaxing over coffee, to sitting dow...

Join Ronan as he takes you through one of the most powerful and unforgettable days of his travels — a journey from the serene beauty of Miyajima Island to the deeply moving history of Hiroshima. In this episode, we explore the iconic Itsukushima Shrine and its floating torii gate, wander through the peaceful streets of Miyajima, and then shift to Hiroshima’s historic center, visiting the Atomic Bo...

On this episode of Port2Port, I take you on Celebrity Cruises’ Kochi Sightseeing excursion. Explore dramatic coastlines, an ancient temple, a lively local food market, and one of Japan’s original castles. Get insider tips, cultural insights, and stories from a day spent discovering Kochi’s charm. Follow me on Instagram at @travelcruiserepeat for more travel tips and cruise adventures

In this episode, I take you inside the incredible world of Universal Studios Japan and the magical Super Nintendo World in Osaka. I chat about everything from how to get there, what you need to know before visiting, and the best strategy for getting on the most popular rides. From Mario Kart to Yoshi’s Adventure, I share my experience navigating the park, using the app, and making the most of your...

Join Ronan on Port2Port as he explores Shimizu, Japan on Celebrity Millennium! From the Fujisan Hongu Sengen Taisha Shrine , the Mt. Fuji World Heritage Centre , to the panoramic Nihondaira Observatory , this episode is packed with sightseeing, culture, and insider tips. Hear about all the Celebrity shore excursions in Shimizu , plus get a glimpse of onboard fun — drum performances, sail-out firew...

In this episode of Port2Port , Ronan shares the full story of embarkation day — leaving his Tokyo hotel, taking a taxi down to Yokohama, navigating the baggage process, and stepping aboard Celebrity Millennium to begin a 12 night cruise around Japan. Expect plenty of practical tips along the way, from how to handle luggage and transfers to what to expect at Yokohama’s cruise terminal. Ronan also s...

Join Ronan on his last day in Tokyo as he explores some of the city’s most iconic spots. Stroll through Shibuya Crossing, take in the panoramic views from Shibuya Sky, and capture photos of the towering Tokyo Tower from Shiba Park. Pop culture fans will love visits to the Pokémon Center and Nintendo Store, while food lovers will enjoy discovering Tokyo’s vibrant food halls and local treats. Along...

Join me on Day 4 in Tokyo as we dive into the city’s vibrant contrasts! From sipping an iced caramel latte and indulging in Princi cream cake at the Starbucks Reserve Roastery, to reflecting at the serene Togo Shrine , exploring the colorful madness of Takeshita Street with its themed cafés and long fried potatoes, hunting retro toys solo at Nakano Sun Mall , enjoying a hearty katsu curry dinner a...

Join me on Day 3 of our Tokyo adventure as we explore the perfect mix of tradition, pop culture, and neon nightlife! 🌸We start the day at Maikoya in Asakusa for an intimate Kimono Tea Ceremony , then dive into the colorful world of Sanrio Gift Gate for Hello Kitty and friends. After refueling at a Japanese convenience store, we visit the spiritual heart of Tokyo at Sensō-ji Temple and even make a...

Hi Guys, my old Instagram account @explorecruiserepeat has been deleted by Instagram, my new page is @travelcruiserepeat, please follow along there. Ronan

Join me as I take you on a magical day at Tokyo Disneyland! From arriving early at the park, tackling the famous Baymax ride, exploring It’s a Small World, and visiting the Beauty and the Beast ride, to enjoying the Tiki Room and the amazing food in Disney Village — this episode has it all. I share tips on using Fast Passes, navigating the park with the Tokyo Disneyland app, and how to make the mo...

In this first episode of Season 3, I take you through my journey from Cork to Tokyo, flying into Haneda Airport with Japan Airlines. I share the experience of arriving in Japan, checking into my hotel in Shinjuku, and heading straight out to explore. I talk about visiting convenience stores for the first time, using the Tokyo subway with a PASMO card, and staying connected with an eSIM. The highli...

Join host Ronan Ryan for a powerful and inspiring conversation with Laura Grier — a world-traveling photographer, writer, and social entrepreneur who has worked in over 100 countries capturing the beauty and complexity of our world. From her early career with National Geographic to launching Andeana Hats, a social enterprise supporting female artisans in Peru, Laura shares her story, creative proc...

This week on Port2Port, Ronan welcomes Sheri Griffiths, the powerhouse behind CruiseTipsTV, for a deep dive into the world of cruising, content creation, and building a trusted community of travelers. Sheri shares the story of how a simple passion for cruising turned into one of the most loved cruise brands online. We chat about her favorite ships, tips for first-time cruisers, the rise of luxury...

In this episode, I'm joined by one of the most trusted voices in the cruise industry – Gary Bembridge, the creator of Tips For Travellers . With decades of travel experience and a massive following across YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, and his blog, Gary shares invaluable insights for both seasoned cruisers and first-timers alike. From his favourite cruise lines and ships to the biggest mistakes ne...

In this episode of Port2Port, I chat with Cassie Meade, host of Women at the Helm and a maritime professional, about her experiences working at sea. She shares what life is really like onboard, the challenges and rewards of a seafaring career, and how women are making waves in the cruise industry. From life behind the scenes, Cassie gives a fascinating look at the world beyond the passenger decks....

Ever dreamed of traveling the world? In this episode of Port2Port, I chat with travel content creator Juliya Sokolova (@julie.travelholic), who has explored 86 countries and shares her adventures with thousands online. Juliya reveals how she turned her passion for travel into a lifestyle, her wildest experiences, and expert tips on budget travel and creating stunning travel content. Plus, she shar...

In this episode of Port2Port, I sit down with Mark Wolters, the man behind Wolters World, one of YouTube’s most trusted travel channels with over 1.1 million subscribers. Known for his honest, no-BS travel advice, Mark shares the evolution of his channel, his best travel tips, and the biggest mistakes travelers make. We also talk about destinations that exceeded (or failed) expectations, how YouTu...

In this episode of Port2Port, I’m joined by Raya from @raya.padel to dive into the world of Padel! We chat about how she got into the sport, the rapid rise of Padel worldwide, and her top tips for beginners. Plus, we explore her passion for travel—her favorite destinations and unforgettable cultural experiences. Whether you're a Padel fan, a travel lover, or both, this episode is packed with insig...

In this episode of Port2Port, I sit down with Meredith from Mer Cruises Solo, a seasoned solo cruiser who has sailed on 29 cruises, spent 200 days at sea, and explored 44 countries and territories! We dive into what inspired her solo cruising journey, her favorite destinations, top tips for cruising alone, and the highs and lows of life at sea. Plus, we chat about her YouTube channel and how she s...

In this episode of Port2Port, I sit down with Matthew, co-founder of The Cruise Maps, to chat about how his company helps cruise lovers track their voyages with stunning, customizable maps. We discuss the inspiration behind The Cruise Maps, how they work, and what’s next for the brand. Whether you're a seasoned cruiser or just starting out, this is an episode you won’t want to miss!

In the 1st episode of series 2, I catch up with my childhood friend John O'Brien from John Plus English. We reminisce about our shared history and dive into his travels through Japan, India, and Vietnam, sharing travel hacks and memorable experiences along the way. Join us for an engaging conversation about friendship, adventure, and the world of John Plus English.

🎙 "Christmas Around the World: Prague, Amsterdam, London, the Caribbean & New York" 🎄 In this special festive episode of Port2Port, join Ronan Ryan as he takes you on a magical journey to some of the world’s most incredible Christmas destinations. From the fairy-tale charm of Prague's snowy markets to Amsterdam’s twinkling canals during the Light Festival, the bustling streets of London’s Win...