Sign up to save your podcasts
Or
Share Cruise Conversations Podcast
Share to email
Share to Facebook
Share to X
Share to email
Share to Facebook
Share to X
Or
Cruise Conversations Podcast
Cruise Conversations Podcast episodes
- Ovation of the Seas Alaska Review w/ Chris & Carmen
This week on Cruise Conversations, Chris and Carmen join us to share their recent 7-night Alaska cruise aboard Royal Caribbean’s Ovation of the Seas!
Sailing one-way from Vancouver to Seward, Chris and Carmen experienced Alaska for the first time with stops in Ketchikan, Sitka, and Skagway, along with an incredible morning cruising Hubbard Glacier. Along the way, they packed the trip with wildlife, scenic drives, glaciers, and some pretty unforgettable excursions.
In this episode, we cover:
- A full Ovation of the Seas Alaska review
- Seeing bears & taking a floatplane in Ketchikan
- An incredible wildlife tour in Sitka
- Driving the Yukon Highway from Skagway
Back onboard, Chris and Carmen share what they thought of Ovation of the Seas and Royal Caribbean’s Quantum Class for Alaska. We talk about their virtual balcony interior cabin, North Star, and iFly, the SeaPlex, Two70, dining around the ship, entertainment, crowds, and why they came away thinking Quantum Class might be one of the best fits for an Alaska cruise.
And their Alaska adventure didn’t end when they stepped off Ovation. After arriving in Seward, they extended their trip with a Kenai Fjords boat tour, dog sledding experience, Exit Glacier, and the scenic train ride to Anchorage, something they highly recommend if you have the time to add a few days to a one-way Alaska cruise.
Whether you’re planning your first Alaska cruise, considering Ovation of the Seas, or trying to decide how much to budget for Alaska excursions, this episode is packed with firsthand experiences, tips, and ideas for making the most of an Alaska cruise.
🎧 Listen now and let us know: What’s at the top of your Alaska cruise bucket list?
Ready to book a cruise?
Chris & Carmen's Website
Send Chris & Carmen an email: [email protected]
Fill out our form or send us a text at (704) 313-8556 for latest pricing!
Check out our website: https://www.cruiseconversationspodcast.com
Use our code "CC15" for 15% off your order at The Cruise Maps
Interested in coming on a future episode and recapping your cruise? Fill out the following form: https://form.jotform.com/252443162720146
Have a question or topic suggestions for a future episode? DM us on Instagram @CruiseConversations or send us an email at [email protected].
Follow along on social media!
Facebook
Instagram
Tik Tok
1 hr 22 min - Odyssey of the Seas Review: Greek Isles & Star Class w/ Kelly
Episode 171
This week on Cruise Conversations, Kelly is back to share her family’s recent 7-night Greek Isles cruise aboard Royal Caribbean’s Odyssey of the Seas!
After joining us earlier this year to review Star of the Seas in Star Class, Kelly and her family took the Star Class experience to Europe, sailing from Rome in a Grand Loft Suite and visiting Santorini, Turkey, Mykonos, and Naples. It was also their first time sailing Royal Caribbean’s Quantum Class, giving Kelly plenty to compare with her previous cruises on Icon and Oasis Class ships.
In this episode, we cover:
- A full Odyssey of the Seas review
- Cruising the Greek Isles & Mediterranean
- The Royal Caribbean Star Class experience in Europe
- An unforgettable catamaran day in Santorini
- Exploring Mykonos, Turkey, Capri & Naples
- Dining, entertainment & life onboard Odyssey of the Seas
Kelly shares what it was like staying in a Grand Loft Suite, how their Royal Genie made everything from shows to getting off the ship easier, and how the Star Class experience compared with their previous sailing aboard Star of the Seas. We also get into Izumi, Coastal Kitchen, the SeaPlex, North Star, FlowRider, entertainment in Two70, and what Kelly liked and didn’t like about Odyssey’s Quantum Class layout.
Whether you’re planning a Greek Isles cruise, considering Odyssey of the Seas, or wondering whether Star Class makes a difference on a port-heavy European itinerary, this episode is packed with firsthand experiences and tips for planning your own Mediterranean cruise.
🎧 Listen now and let us know: Which Greek Isles cruise port is at the top of your list?
Ready to book a cruise with Cruise Conversations?
Fill out our form or send us a text at (704) 313-8556 for latest pricing!
Check out our website: https://www.cruiseconversationspodcast.com
Use our code "CC15" for 15% off your order at The Cruise Maps
Interested in coming on a future episode and recapping your cruise? Fill out the following form: https://form.jotform.com/252443162720146
Have a question or topic suggestions for a future episode? DM us on Instagram @CruiseConversations or send us an email at [email protected].
Follow along on social media!
Facebook
Instagram
Tik Tok
55 min - Adventure of the Seas Review: 14-Night Back-to-Back Cruise w/ Kelsey
In this episode of Cruise Conversations, we're joined by listener Kelsey to recap her 14-night back-to-back cruise aboard Royal Caribbean's Adventure of the Seas, combining an 8-night and 6-night sailing from Port Canaveral.
Kelsey is no stranger to Royal Caribbean. These sailings marked her 19th and 20th cruises with the cruise line, earning her Diamond Plus status before turning 30. She also cruises almost exclusively solo, giving us a great perspective on what it's like spending two straight weeks aboard Adventure of the Seas as a solo traveler.
In this episode, we cover:
- A full Adventure of the Seas cruise review
- What it's like taking a back-to-back Royal Caribbean cruise
- Solo cruising and reaching Diamond Plus
- Visiting Aruba, Curaçao, Grand Cayman, Jamaica, Nassau & CocoCay
- Her first experience at Royal Beach Club Paradise Island
- Dining, entertainment, sea days & life aboard Adventure of the Seas
Along the way, Kelsey shares everything from kayaking and snorkeling in Aruba and visiting Seven Mile Beach in Grand Cayman to spending a port day enjoying an almost-empty ship in Jamaica. She also gives her take on Royal Beach Club Paradise Island, which impressed her enough that she's already booked it again.
We also dive into the logistics of staying onboard for a back-to-back cruise, including the turnaround-day process, keeping the same cabin for both sailings, and even an interesting Diamond drink voucher perk that comes with doing consecutive cruises.
Whether you're considering Adventure of the Seas, thinking about trying your first back-to-back cruise, or curious about what it's like to cruise Royal Caribbean solo, this episode is packed with firsthand experiences and helpful tips for your next sailing.
🎧 Listen now and let us know: Would you spend 14 nights on the same ship for a back-to-back cruise?
Ready to book a cruise with Cruise Conversations?
Fill out our form or send us a text at (704) 313-8556 for latest pricing!
Check out our website: https://www.cruiseconversationspodcast.com
Use our code "CC15" for 15% off your order at The Cruise Maps
Interested in coming on a future episode and recapping your cruise? Fill out the following form: https://form.jotform.com/252443162720146
Have a question or topic suggestions for a future episode? DM us on Instagram @CruiseConversations or send us an email at [email protected].
Follow along on social media!
Facebook
Instagram
Tik Tok
57 min - MSC Meraviglia Review: Mediterranean Cruising & Yacht Club w/ Mackenzie
Episode 169
This week on Cruise Conversations, we're joined by Mackenzie to recap her recent 7-night Mediterranean cruise aboard MSC Meraviglia, including what it’s like experiencing one of MSC Cruises’ biggest perks: MSC Yacht Club.
After taking her first cruise while stationed in Europe, Mackenzie and her wife quickly caught the cruise bug and have now sailed six times since 2024. For this trip, they boarded MSC Meraviglia in Marseille, France, for a port-heavy Mediterranean itinerary featuring Spain and Italy, along with an unexpected itinerary change when weather prevented their planned visit to Tunisia.
We also get an inside look at the MSC Yacht Club experience, from priority embarkation and the Top Sail Lounge to exclusive dining, pool areas, thermal spa access, elevated service, and even the sometimes-helpful priority elevators. Mackenzie shares why this was actually the best Yacht Club service she’s experienced so far.
In this episode, we cover:
- A full MSC Meraviglia cruise review
- What it’s like sailing MSC Yacht Club
- Exploring Barcelona, Mallorca, Palermo, Naples & Livorno
- Scuba diving, Mediterranean food tours & visiting Pompeii
- Dining, entertainment & life aboard MSC Meraviglia
- How cruising with MSC in Europe differs from cruising in the U.S.
From scuba diving off the coast of Barcelona and eating her way through Sicily to finally seeing Pompeii in person, Mackenzie shares some incredible experiences along the way, plus one cruise-line excursion that definitely didn’t live up to expectations.
Whether you're considering MSC Meraviglia, wondering if MSC Yacht Club is worth it, or planning your own Mediterranean cruise, this episode offers a firsthand look at cruising MSC in Europe and plenty of ideas for making the most of your time both onboard and ashore.
Ready to book a cruise with Cruise Conversations?
Fill out our form or send us a text at (704) 313-8556 for latest pricing!
Check out our website: https://www.cruiseconversationspodcast.com
Use our code "CC15" for 15% off your order at The Cruise Maps
Interested in coming on a future episode and recapping your cruise? Fill out the following form: https://form.jotform.com/252443162720146
Have a question or topic suggestions for a future episode? DM us on Instagram @CruiseConversations or send us an email at [email protected].
Follow along on social media!
Facebook
Instagram
Tik Tok
47 min - Carnival Celebration Review: Is It Still One of My Favorite Cruise Ships?
This week on Cruise Conversations, Michael is back from a 7-night cruise aboard Carnival Celebration and sharing a full review of his second time sailing the ship and third cruise aboard Carnival’s Excel Class.
What was originally planned as a family vacation unexpectedly turned into a solo cruise, and the adventure started before Michael even made it onboard when his checked bag never left Charlotte. From navigating three days without his luggage to returning to Celebration Key, exploring the waterfalls of Amber Cove, and making the trek to Jack’s Shack in Grand Turk, there’s plenty to unpack from this sailing.
We also dive into what’s changed aboard Carnival Celebration since Michael last sailed her, including dining, entertainment, crowds, service, and whether the ship remains one of his favorites.
In this episode, we cover:
- A full Carnival Celebration cruise review
- Why flying in the day before your cruise matters
- Returning to Celebration Key for a full day
- The Damajagua Waterfalls in Amber Cove
- Visiting Jack’s Shack in Grand Turk
- Dining around Carnival Celebration
- Trying a Carnival Kitchen cooking class
- Entertainment, comedy, nightlife & sea days
- Staying in a Cove Balcony on Deck 5
- Whether Carnival Celebration is still one of his favorite cruise ships
One of the biggest surprises of the week? The Carnival Kitchen cooking class ended up being one of Michael’s favorite experiences he’s ever had on a cruise.
Whether you’re planning a Carnival Celebration cruise, considering your first Carnival Cruise Line vacation, or wondering what it’s like to cruise solo on one of Carnival’s largest ships, this episode is packed with firsthand experiences, tips, and plenty of lessons from seven days onboard.
🎧 Listen now, and stay tuned for Carnival Celebration vlogs and more content from the sailing coming soon to the Cruise Conversations YouTube channel and website!
Ready to book a cruise with Cruise Conversations?
Fill out our form or send us a text at (704) 313-8556 for latest pricing!
Check out our website: https://www.cruiseconversationspodcast.com
Use our code "CC15" for 15% off your order at The Cruise Maps
Interested in coming on a future episode and recapping your cruise? Fill out the following form: https://form.jotform.com/252443162720146
Have a question or topic suggestions for a future episode? DM us on Instagram @CruiseConversations or send us an email at [email protected].
Follow along on social media!
Facebook
Instagram
Tik Tok
1 hr 4 min - MSC World America w/ Jason Shipp
This week we have Jason back on the podcast to talk about his recent sailing on the MSC World America!
1 hr - 23 Nights on Explorer of the Seas w/ Sam: Transatlantic & Mediterranean B2B
This week on Cruise Conversations, we're joined by Sam to recap an incredible 23-night back-to-back cruise aboard Royal Caribbean's Explorer of the Seas!
Sam combined a transatlantic crossing with a Mediterranean cruise, giving her more than three weeks aboard Explorer of the Seas and the chance to experience two very different styles of cruising in one trip.
We talk about what it's really like spending 23 nights on the same cruise ship, from the relaxing sea days of a transatlantic crossing to exploring ports throughout the Mediterranean. Sam shares her experience aboard Explorer of the Seas, what she learned from doing a back-to-back cruise, and the highlights that made this trip so memorable.
Throughout the episode, we discuss:
• What it's like taking a 23-night back-to-back cruise
• Sailing across the Atlantic on a Royal Caribbean transatlantic cruise
• Transitioning from a transatlantic crossing to a Mediterranean itinerary
• Life onboard Explorer of the Seas for more than three weeks
• Sea days versus port-heavy days in EuropeWhether you're considering an Explorer of the Seas cruise, dreaming about a transatlantic sailing, or thinking about combining cruises for one huge European adventure, this episode gives you a firsthand look at what 23 nights at sea is really like.Ready to book a cruise with Cruise Conversations?
Fill out our form or send us a text at (704) 313-8556 for latest pricing!
Check out our website: https://www.cruiseconversationspodcast.com
Use our code "CC15" for 15% off your order at The Cruise Maps
Interested in coming on a future episode and recapping your cruise? Fill out the following form: https://form.jotform.com/252443162720146
Have a question or topic suggestions for a future episode? DM us on Instagram @CruiseConversations or send us an email at [email protected].
Follow along on social media!
Facebook
Instagram
Tik Tok
1 hr 5 min - 5 Things I'm Doing Differently On My Carnival Celebration Cruise
Episode 165
Michael is heading back aboard Carnival Celebration, and for the first time in 17 cruises, he's repeating a ship!
In this episode, we're previewing his upcoming 7-night Carnival Celebration cruise and breaking down five things he's planning to do differently this time around. From trying more specialty dining and spending time in the thermal spa to slowing things down, reading more, and exploring some familiar ports in new ways, this cruise is going to look a little different from his first time onboard.
We also catch up on some of the latest cruise news, including Norwegian's new Great Tides Waterpark at Great Stirrup Cay, changes to Norwegian's cruise pricing strategy, Royal Caribbean moving more ships to Asia and Australia, and what recent earnings reports tell us about the cruise industry.
🚢 Michael's Carnival Celebration itinerary:
• Celebration Key
• Nassau
• Amber Cove
• Grand TurkPlus, we talk about Carnival Celebration's specialty dining, the onboard entertainment Michael wants to revisit, plans for Amber Cove and Grand Turk, and what he might miss from some of the Royal Caribbean ships we've sailed recently.
Michael boards Carnival Celebration on August 23, so make sure you're following Cruise Conversations on YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram for live streams and plenty of content from onboard!
Ready to book a cruise with Cruise Conversations?
Fill out our form or send us a text at (704) 313-8556 for latest pricing!
Check out our website: https://www.cruiseconversationspodcast.com
Use our code "CC15" for 15% off your order at The Cruise Maps
Interested in coming on a future episode and recapping your cruise? Fill out the following form: https://form.jotform.com/252443162720146
Have a question or topic suggestions for a future episode? DM us on Instagram @CruiseConversations or send us an email at [email protected].
Follow along on social media!
Facebook
Instagram
Tik Tok
21 min - " Best of Greece" Celebrity Infinity Recap w/ Elizabeth
Episode 164
In this episode of Cruise Conversations , we sit down with listener Elizabeth to recap her 7-night Greek Isles cruise on Celebrity Infinity, sailing round-trip from Athens. We discuss:
- First impressions of Celebrity Infinity — Celebrity's oldest (and smallest) Millennium-class ship, and whether a refreshed classic still holds up against the newer mega-ships
- Booking a Concierge Class stateroom and picking a cabin location around how you actually spend your days
- Pre-cruise time in Athens — the Grand Hyatt, the botanical gardens, and why the Acropolis Museum is a must-do
- A port-by-port breakdown: Mykonos, Rhodes (the medieval town that stole the show), Kusadasi/Ephesus in Turkey, iconic Santorini, and the car-free island of Hydra (Idra)
- The full Turkey carpet-seminar experience — and Frank's own rug-buying story
- Ship excursions vs. private tours, plus how to check how many ships are in port before you book (the Santorini crowd trick)
- Dining on Celebrity — anytime dining, the main dining room vs. buffet, room-service breakfast on the balcony, and why they skipped specialty dining
- Entertainment, the casino, and what a World Cup sea day looked like on board
- Real tips for planning a Greek Isles cruise or your first sailing on Celebrity Infinity
Whether you're eyeing a Mediterranean sailing, curious about Celebrity Infinity, or wondering whether a smaller classic ship can beat the big new ones for an itinerary like this, this episode is packed with firsthand experience, honest takes, and practical tips to help you plan your next vacation.
🎧 Listen now and let us know: for a Greek Isles itinerary, would you rather sail a smaller, classic ship that can reach the tiny ports like Hydra or a bigger, brand-new ship loaded with onboard entertainment?
Ready to book a cruise with Cruise Conversations?
Fill out our form or send us a text at (704) 313-8556 for latest pricing!
Check out our website: https://www.cruiseconversationspodcast.com
Use our code "CC15" for 15% off your order at The Cruise Maps
Interested in coming on a future episode and recapping your cruise? Fill out the following form: https://form.jotform.com/252443162720146
Have a question or topic suggestions for a future episode? DM us on Instagram @CruiseConversations or send us an email at [email protected].
Follow along on social media!
Facebook
Instagram
Tik Tok
48 min - Symphony of the Seas Review w/ The Davises Travel | Roaring Riot Cruise
Episode 163
In this episode of Cruise Conversations, we're joined by Graham and Dayna from The Davises Travel to recap their recent sailing aboard Royal Caribbean's Symphony of the Seas as part of the Roaring Riot Cruise, a special fan cruise for Carolina Panthers fans.
From meeting current and former Panthers players to relaxing on one of Royal Caribbean's most popular Oasis Class ships, they share what made this sailing such a memorable experience. We also dive into their visits to St. Maarten, St. Thomas, and the Royal Beach Club Paradise Island in Nassau, along with plenty of tips for anyone planning a Symphony of the Seas cruise.
In this episode, we discuss:
- A full Symphony of the Seas cruise review
- What it's like sailing on the Roaring Riot Cruise
- Meeting Carolina Panthers players onboard
- Visiting St. Maarten, St. Thomas, and Royal Beach Club Paradise Island
- Dining, entertainment, and favorite onboard experiences
- Whether The Key is still worth purchasing on Royal Caribbean
- The pros and cons of Symphony compared to other Oasis Class ships
- Tips for planning your next Royal Caribbean cruise
Whether you're considering Symphony of the Seas, curious about Royal Caribbean's Royal Beach Club, or wondering what it's like to sail on a themed group cruise, this episode is packed with firsthand experiences, honest reviews, and practical tips to help you plan your next vacation.
🎧 Listen now and let us know: Would you rather sail on a themed cruise like the Roaring Riot Cruise, or stick with a traditional cruise vacation?
Ready to book a cruise with Cruise Conversations?
Fill out our form or send us a text at (704) 313-8556 for latest pricing!
Check out our website: https://www.cruiseconversationspodcast.com
Use our code "CC15" for 15% off your order at The Cruise Maps
Interested in coming on a future episode and recapping your cruise? Fill out the following form: https://form.jotform.com/252443162720146
Have a question or topic suggestions for a future episode? DM us on Instagram @CruiseConversations or send us an email at [email protected].
Follow along on social media!
Facebook
Instagram
Tik Tok
1 hr 1 min
About Cruise Conversations Podcast
From the publisher's feed
A weekly podcast hosted by Michael and Frank featuring topics such as cruise news, tips & tricks, cruise recommendations, and much more!
More shows like Cruise Conversations Podcast
Cruise Radio: Weekly Cruise News & Travel Tips
621 Listeners
Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast
664 Listeners
Cruise News Today
241 Listeners
Always Be Booked Cruise Podcast
263 Listeners
Essential Cruise Tips
73 Listeners
The Cruise Dudes Podcast
98 Listeners
Addicted to the Mouse: Disney Podcast | Disney World, Universal, & Cruise Vacation Planning
982 Listeners
CruiseTipsTV Unplugged - Cruise Tips and More
658 Listeners
Off the Lido - A La Lido Loca Cruise Podcast
172 Listeners
Rope Drop: On Deck - A Cruise News and Planning Podcast
157 Listeners
Travel & Cruise Industry News
10 Listeners
Magically Cruising Cruise Podcast
6 Listeners
The Joy of Cruising Podcast
27 Listeners
Cruising Is Life Podcast
13 Listeners