Cruise Radio: Weekly Cruise News & Travel Tips

Staff writer Richard Simms cover major cruise industry news and gives us a review of Celebrity Apex from Port Canaveral in March 2026. News highlights include two tragic incidents aboard Carnival Splendor, an update on a murder trial involving Carnival Horizon, Margaritaville banning a couple over a negative TikTok review, Virgin Voyages facing backlash over an itinerary change, AI booking technology announcements, and Princess Cruises ordering three new ships. Richard also gives us a detailed review of the Celebrity Apex, praising its design, suite perks, specialty dining, and entertainment, while recommending Eden restaurant and the Retreat experience above all else. 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. About Cruise Radio: Cruise Radio has been delivering cruise news, ship reviews, and money-saving tips weekly since 2009.

Haley shares her experience on a nine-night Mediterranean cruise aboard Celebrity Cruises' Celebrity Equinox, sailing from Barcelona to Spain, Portugal, and Morocco. Haley reviews the ship's service, buffet, and specialty dining, while discussing port days, including visiting a dog shelter in Portugal. She also shares valuable tips on Celebrity's status matching perks and advice for managing jet lag on European cruises. Dan Skilken, President of TripInsurance.com, answers questions about travel insurance coverage for geopolitical events, missed ports, and flight delays. 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. About Cruise Radio: Cruise Radio has been delivering cruise news, ship reviews, and money-saving tips weekly since 2009.

A review of Royal Caribbean's Liberty of the Seas. Staff writer Richard Simms cover major cruise industry news, including Carnival's $300,000 negligence verdict for over-serving alcohol, Norwegian Cruise Line's $2 million COVID-era settlement, and a tragic murder aboard Carnival Horizon. Updates include MSC Cruises raising gratuities and Holland America's $500 million fleet refurbishment featuring solo cabins. Guest Rob reviews Royal Caribbean's Liberty of the Seas on a nine-night Canada and New England itinerary, highlighting excellent dining, impressive entertainment, and memorable port calls in Boston, Sydney, Halifax, and Saint John. 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. About Cruise Radio: Cruise Radio has been delivering cruise news, ship reviews, and money-saving tips weekly since 2009.

In this episode of Cruise Radio, host Doug Parker and staff writer Richard Sims cover major cruise news, including a video voyeurism arrest on Celebrity Beyond, a fishermen's protest blocking ships in Corsica, a grounding incident in Fiji, Holland America's gratuity increase, Miami's proposed airport-to-port train link, Alaska's Tracy Arm Fjord closure due to a landslide, and recent upgrades to Holland America's ms Koningsdam. Tim from Fargo, North Dakota, shares his review of a spontaneous four-night Carnival Radiance cruise from Long Beach, highlighting dining, entertainment, ports of call, and a pre-cruise stay on the historic Queen Mary. 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. About Cruise Radio: Cruise Radio has been delivering cruise news, ship reviews, and money-saving tips weekly since 2009.

A review of Princess Cruises' newest ships, Star Princess. This was a seven-night Eastern Caribbean sailing from Port Everglades. 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. About Cruise Radio: Cruise Radio has been delivering cruise news, ship reviews, and money-saving tips weekly since 2009.

Doug Parker and Richard Simms discuss major cruise news, including a man-overboard prank, new residential cruise concepts, Disney's plans in Japan, and Norwegian's Philadelphia debut. Guest Heather shares her solo experience aboard Norwegian Joy, covering stateroom comfort, dining, entertainment, and excursions, and an awesome food tour in Cozumel. She offers practical tips for first-time and solo cruisers, praises Norwegian's solo traveler community, and recommends specialty dining. The episode provides valuable insights into cruise trends, ship life, and making the most of solo travel at sea. 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. About Cruise Radio: Cruise Radio has been delivering cruise news, ship reviews, and money-saving tips weekly since 2009.

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

A review of Carnival Cruise Line's first Excel ship Mardi Gras. 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. About Cruise Radio: Cruise Radio has been delivering cruise news, ship reviews, and money-saving tips weekly since 2009.

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

In this Cruise Radio episode, Doug Parker and staff writer Richard Simms cover cruise news about: 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. 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. About Cruise Radio: Cruise Radio has been delivering cruise news, ship reviews, and money-saving tips weekly since 2009.

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

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

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. Cruise news topics include Celebrity Infinity's canceled sailing after a technical issue and a reported small electrical fire, a dramatic rescue at sea by Radiance of the Seas, and protests against Royal Caribbean's new Perfect Day Mexico project. They also cover Carnival's new dining venues on Australian ships and Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings' $2 billion ship order, plus activist investor Elliott Management's push for leadership changes at Norwegian. 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. About Cruise Radio: Cruise Radio has been delivering cruise news, ship reviews, and money-saving tips weekly since 2009.

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

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

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

In this episode of Cruise Radio, host Doug Parker and staff writer Richard Simms discuss the latest cruise industry news. Topics include: 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. 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. About Cruise Radio: Cruise Radio has been delivering cruise news, ship reviews, and money-saving tips weekly since 2009.

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

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

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