Cruise Radio: Weekly Cruise News & Travel Tips

Latest Episodes:

Star of the Seas Review, World's Largest Cruise Ship + Cruise News | Royal Caribbean Jan 29, 2026

Show notes

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 Grand Bahamas Island.
Norwegian's new policy requiring early arrivals for air program guests.
Cruise ship Scenic Eclipse receiving icebreaker assistance in Antarctica.
Carnival crew member labor disputes in Australia.

The episode also features Kevin's review of Royal Caribbean's newest ship, Star of the Seas, showcasing family-friendly amenities, food & dining, and the value of cruising on a large, modern ship in 2026 as a family.

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

Norwegian Getaway Bahamas Sailing 2026 + Cruise News | Norwegian Cruise Line Jan 22, 2026

Show notes

A review of Norwegian Getaway in 2026. Plus staff writer Richard Simms has cruise news.

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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.

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

Carnival Paradise 2026 Review + Cruise News | Carnival Cruise Line Jan 15, 2026

Show notes

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 upgrade, dining experiences, New Year's Eve festivities, and port visits to Nassau and Celebration Key.

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.

MSC Grandiosa Review in Caribbean 2026 | MSC Cruises Jan 12, 2026

Show notes

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, Cirque-style shows, and the relaxing private island, Ocean Cay Marine Reserve.

He also offers practical tips for booking activities and navigating the ship's amenities.

The episode provides valuable insights for cruise passengers considering MSC, highlighting both the ship's strengths and challengesin the North American market.

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.

Carnival Venezia 2025 Review, Travel Insurance + Cruise News | Carnival Cruise Line Jan 08, 2026

Show notes

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.

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.

Disney Wish 2025 Review + Cruise News | Disney Cruise Line Jan 01, 2026

Show notes

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 implemented an 11% cruise passenger tax effective January 1, 2026 Around 100 passengers reported gastrointestinal illness on Celebrity Eclipse
Coral Adventurer ran aground on a reef near Papua New Guinea, and passengers were evacuated
Norwegian Cruise Line opened a new pier and amenities at Great Stirrup Cay, with drink package changes
Review of Disney Wish

Ship review:

The three-night sailing aboard Disney Wish departed from Port Canaveral, with a planned stop at Nassau changed to a sea day due to weather, and a visit to Castaway Cay. The review covers rotational dining across three themed restaurants, Broadway-style shows, and adult-only spaces.

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.

Symphony of the Seas Bahamas Review 2025 | Royal Caribbean Dec 25, 2025

Show notes

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.

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.

Carnival Panorama Review 2025 | Carnival Cruise Line Dec 18, 2025

Show notes

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:

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

Celebrity Xcel 2025 Preview Cruise | Celebrity Cruises Dec 11, 2025

Show notes

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 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.

Star Princess Review 2025+ Cruise News | Princess Cruises Dec 04, 2025

Show notes

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:

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

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