Cruise Views

One of the biggest trends in cruising is partnering with well-known brands in all aspects of onboard life, from entertainment to food & beverage, spas and shops. Featured partners include some of the most well-recognized brands in the world, such as Starbucks, Nickelodeon, Disaronno, the Smurfs, Eataly, Fisher-Price, Segafredo and Dreamworks along with a slew of celebrity chefs and restaurants. Consumers can now cruise knowing they’ll find some of their favorite brands. Not only do brand partnerships offer a special appeal to cruising consumers, they help cruises communicate their identity and quality. This week’s guests will speak to us about the latest trends in cruise ship partnerships and how they are incorporated into the every day cruise experience.

Dining on cruises has come a long way. While some cruisers may be happy with the good ’ol hamburger or hotdog, many cruisers today have grown a more developed palate along with stronger opinions on how, where and when dining should take place. And the cruise lines have answered… With constant innovation in the industry, such as on board celebrity chefs, name brand restaurants, culinary enrichment programs, specialty kids’ menus, sommeliers and much more, the possibilities today are endless. Today’s guests, Sherri Eisenberg of Bon Voyage Magazine, Kathryn O’Shea-Evans of Travel & Leisure Magazine and Bob Ecker, travel writer and food and wine connoisseur, will offer expert insight into the array of dining options and discuss “what’s cooking” in the world of cruising.

A new era of cruise ship travel has taken entertainment on the high-seas to an all new level. Nowadays, cruisers can choose from an incredible array of options, ranging from world-class evening entertainment, multiple bars and lounges, comedy clubs, beach clubs, bowling alleys, water and theme parks, educational enrichment programs and even Broadway shows. (Not to mention an incredible slew of shore excursions!) Travelers can actually determine their cruise vacation according to the type of activity they are seeking. This week’s guests, which include Jim D’Amico from Punch Entertainment, Gary Bembridge, Cruise Travel Expert and Blogger and Brent Jensen of Blendcraft Wines, will help listeners navigate the best entertainment options with exciting examples of theme cruises, full ship charters, shore excursions, onboard activities and much more.

According to Cruise Critic, 1.5 million children are sailing the high seas. Taking a cruise with the family can be a dream come true with an incredible array of activities for kids, including water parks, playrooms, organized events, special menus, around the clock babysitting services and much, much more. But how do know which cruise is right for you? Are family activities important? Does the cruise ship offer supervised activities for your child’s age group? Is there a minimum age for sailing? What about special deals? These are just some of the questions our lineup of travel experts will be answering during this special one-hour episode. Join us as Eileen Ogintz, syndicated family travel columnist, Mike Faust, editor of Cruise Currents and Julie Irovando take us through the ins and outs of putting together the perfect family cruise experience.

Have you ever considered popping the question on the high-seas? What about having your dream wedding surrounded by family and friends while visiting the beautiful beaches of the Caribbean? Whether looking to renew vows, get engaged, tie the knot, celebrate an anniversary or simply have a romantic getaway, cruises can offer an ideal, stress-free setting for all of the above. In this week’s episode, find out about the “ins and outs” of how to put together, plan and book the ultimate romantic cruise. You’ll also hear from experts on what it takes to plan the perfect cruise wedding and the many ways to make it special.

Ever wondered what the best way to visit some of the most enticing destinations in the world? In this eye-opening episode, you’ll hear about the many incredible spots around the world you can easily visit while on a cruise vacation. Fantasizing about visiting an “off the beaten path” destination? Be sure to tune in as three renowned travel experts share their insider secrets on the best ways to discover these wonderful hidden gems. They’ll also discuss the ideal spots for culture, shopping, dining or simply laying in the sun. This week’s special guests, which include Wendy Perrin, Director of Consumer News and Digital Community at Conde Nast Traveler magazine, Sarah Greaves-Gabbadon, former executive editor of Caribbean Travel +Life and award-winning journalist along with Sylma Brown Bramble, Director of the Caribbean Tourism Organization, will keep you on the edge of your seats.

In this week’s episode of Cruise Views, learn everything you need to know about holiday vacations at sea. Have you ever experienced an authentic Thanksgiving dinner while cruising the Caribbean? Or how about celebrating Hanukkah with your family with Menorah lighting and traditional songs by a Cantor or Rabbi? Trying to take the stress out of Christmas? Take it easy this season and skip the hassle of planning and cooking for your next holiday. Great deals and themed onboard festivities make cruising one the most enjoyable, easy and stress-free ways of enjoying your holidays with the entire family. Expert cruise blogger, Fran Golden, journalist and tour operator owner, Vanessa Lee along with travel agency owner and entrepreneur, Michelle Fee, will speak about their best on board experiences, while sharing a slew of insider tips on how to make the most of your cruise holiday vacation.

Are cruises boring? Will kids have anything to do? Aren’t cruises really rigid and regimented? This special episode of Cruise Views will debunk the many misconceptions of cruising. For those of you interested in cruising but hesitating to do so, this is the episode for you! Our knowledgeable guests will discuss the reason why cruising has become one of the leading vacation offerings in the U.S. Carrie Finely-Bajak of leading website, Cruise Buzz, will discuss the wide range of exciting new offerings and activities available on cruises today. Doug Parker, host of Cruise Radio, will share his insight into some of the major myths surrounding cruising and why travelers should try cruising (at least once!). Lastly, we’ll be speaking with the editor of renowned website, Cruise Critic, Carolyn Spencer Brown. Carolyn will provide valued insight into what cruisers can expect from their cruise vacation and what they should look out for when choosing their cruise.

How to find the right travel agent? What services do they offer? What qualities do you look for when choosing a travel agent? These are just some of the questions we will answer during this week’s episode of Cruise Views with Ken Muskat. Join us as Tom Stieghorst, senior cruise editor from one of the industry’s leading travel publications, discusses the travel agent industry and the resources they offer consumers. Nina Meyer, President and Chairman of the American Society of Travel Agents, will speak to us about how the industry has evolved and her experience as an owner of several leading travel agencies, ensuring clients experience the best cruises possible. You’ll also be hearing from Susan Mirabito, Vice President of Operations for Travel Network/Vacation Central. Susan will share her thoughts on how travel agents can benefit both first-time cruisers and experienced cruisers. She will also discuss the top 3 reasons to use a travel agent, what some of the most important questions to ask your travel agent are and the best ways that agents can help travelers. Don’t miss this exciting episode, and get all the information you need to book your next cruise vacation.

What’s the value of cruising? We’re here to give you the latest scoop on how cruising offers spectacular values that can be hard to find with any other vacation experience. We will speak with a writer from The Washington Post’s travel section, who writes the weekly “What’s the Deal” column, where she features the best deals in travel today. You’ll also hear from the Cruise Director of a major cruise line, who will describe the many ways vacationers can take advantage of the multiple offerings available during your cruise vacation. Lastly, a journalist with more than 20 years covering and travelling on cruise lines will discuss the ins and outs of getting the most value for your cruise. Don’t miss this exciting episode, and get all the information you need to book your next cruise vacation.

Cruising might be known for lavish meals, 24-hour food options, specialty restaurants and of course the buffet - but many people don't realize the endless opportunities offered to eat well and stay healthy and active while enjoying a cruise vacation. On this episode of Cruise Views, we will speak to a food connoisseur from the popular epicurean Italian emporium Eataly, now offering specialty dining on MSC Cruise ships. We will hear about the hottest new fitness craze of Aqua Cycling that’s hitting major cities and the high seas, and hear the first-hand experience of a cruise line Spa Manager responsible for creating innovative spa techniques on some of the newest and largest cruise ships sailing today. Of course, it simply wouldn't be a cruise show if we also didn't mention the gourmet pastries, outstanding Gelato and countless opportunities to indulge and enjoy. Tune-in to hear the latest on dining, exercising and tips to enjoy a healthy lifestyle even while you're cruising.

If you've ever wondered how the cruise industry has become one of the fastest growing industries in the world with some of the highest guest satisfaction ratings ever, you'll want to come sail away on this week's episode of Cruise Views with Ken Muskat. Join us as we speak with Christine Duffy, President and CEO of the Cruise Lines International Association, the trade association representing the $36 billion global cruise industry, as we gain her perspective on the global impact of the cruise industry. Join Rick Sasso, President & CEO of MSC Cruises USA, as we explore the benefits and challenges of launching a European cruise brand in the North American market as well as hear what makes the industry so appealing. Finally, Peter Knego of Maritime Matters will take us on his own cruise adventures sharing his personal experiences and perspectives. This first episode of Cruise Views is sure to be packed with exciting information and great surprises.