Cruise Radio: Weekly Cruise News & Travel Tips

Latest Episodes:

Celebrity Infinity Best of Greece 2026 Review | Celebrity Cruises Mar 22, 2026

Show notes

A review of Celebrity Infinity.

Doug interviews Andrea about her ten-night "Best of Greece" cruise aboard Celebrity Infinity. Andrea discusses the ship's recent technical issues, her decision to sail, and highlights from the itinerary, including ports like Nafplio, Heraklion, Rhodes, Kavala, Kusadasi, and Athens.

She shares insights on dining, entertainment, and shore excursions, noting the ship's age but praising its cleanliness and crew.

Despite minor setbacks prior to her sailing, Andrea describes the cruise as a bucketlist itinerary and well-paced, with a focus on exploring Greek destinations rather than what the ship offers onboard.

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About Cruise Radio: Cruise Radio has been delivering cruise news, ship reviews, and money-saving tips weekly since 2009.

Carnival Mardi Gras 2026 Caribbean Review | Carnival Cruise Line Mar 19, 2026

Show notes

A review of Carnival Cruise Line's first Excel ship Mardi Gras.

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About Cruise Radio: Cruise Radio has been delivering cruise news, ship reviews, and money-saving tips weekly since 2009.

MSC's New Luxury Brand Explora 1 Review + Cruise News | Explora Journeys Mar 12, 2026

Show notes

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 the ship's all-suite accommodations, exceptional dining, unique ports, and overall experience. The episode offers listeners a comprehensive mix of industry updates and an in-depth review of MSC Cruises' new luxury cruise brand, Explora Journeys.

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About Cruise Radio: Cruise Radio has been delivering cruise news, ship reviews, and money-saving tips weekly since 2009.

Harmony of the Seas Western Caribbean Sailing + Cruise News | Royal Caribbean Mar 05, 2026

Show notes

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 onboard experiences, highlighting the ship's entertainment, dining, and amenities. He reviews port visits to Costa Maya, Roatan, and Cozumel, including a rainy day at Mr. Sancho's resort.

Brian offers practical tips for solo cruisers and praises the ship's layout and value, concluding with a strong recommendation for Harmony of the Seas and Oasis-class ships overall.

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About Cruise Radio: Cruise Radio has been delivering cruise news, ship reviews, and money-saving tips weekly since 2009.

Norwegian Aqua Bermuda Review from New York City | Norwegian Cruise Line Mar 01, 2026

Show notes

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 dining, and shore activities, highlighting the ship's spacious design and the value of planning ahead.

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About Cruise Radio: Cruise Radio has been delivering cruise news, ship reviews, and money-saving tips weekly since 2009.

Sky Princess Europe Review + Cruise News | Princess Cruises Feb 26, 2026

Show notes

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.

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About Cruise Radio: Cruise Radio has been delivering cruise news, ship reviews, and money-saving tips weekly since 2009.

Carnival Magic ABC Island Cruise 2026 + Cruise News | Carnival Cruise Line Feb 19, 2026

Show notes

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.

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About Cruise Radio: Cruise Radio has been delivering cruise news, ship reviews, and money-saving tips weekly since 2009.

Queen Mary 2 Transatlantic Review from Southampton to New York City | Cunard Line Feb 15, 2026

Show notes

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, enjoying the ship's stability in rough seas, and the relaxed yet elegant atmosphere.

Rick offers practical tips for first-timers and dispels myths about formality, ultimately recommending the Queen Mary 2 crossing as "a memorable, classic travel experience."

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About Cruise Radio: Cruise Radio has been delivering cruise news, ship reviews, and money-saving tips weekly since 2009.

Odyssey of The Seas Review 2026 + Cruise News | Royal Caribbean Feb 12, 2026

Show notes

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 embarkation, dining, entertainment, specialty packages, and the new Royal Beach Club in Nassau, offering practical tips for first-time cruisers. The episode blends news, personal experiences, and expert advice for cruise planning.

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:

About Cruise Radio: Cruise Radio has been delivering cruise news, ship reviews, and money-saving tips weekly since 2009.

Hawaii Cruise on Pride of America in 2026 + Cruise News | Norwegian Cruise Line Feb 05, 2026

Show notes

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; locals and kids under 6 exempt.
Jazz Cruise Tragedy – Renowned jazz musician Ken Peplowski passed away onboard Celebrity Summit during the annual Jazz Cruise.
Drug Bust at PortMiami – Five passengers arrested with narcotics before boarding Symphony of the Seas for a themed Atlantis cruise.
MSC Guests Left Behind – MSC Orchestra couldn't dock in Marseille due to port protests, forcing guests to rejoin in Genoa.
MSC Adding Yacht Club – MSC Musica and Orchestra will receive the Yacht Club luxury enclave during upcoming refurbishments.
Disney Adventure Breaks Record – Becomes the largest passenger ship to transit the Panama Canal on its way to Singapore homeport.