Cruise Radio: Weekly Cruise News & Travel Tips

John and his wife just returned from a Caribbean cruise aboard Celebrity Reflection. On this episode, we get a full blown review of Reflection, including thoughts on the stateroom, dining options, entertainment on-board, and the ports of call.

• Carnival announces the homeport for Carnival Horizon - where is she going and what kind of itineraries will we see?
• NCL changes the loyalty program - any major changes?
• Royal Caribbean now doing onboard scuba certifications - how does this program work?
• Princess invites you to take a bed home!

Thoughts or reviews? Email me: [email protected]

We answer some of your questions about cruise ship tipping. We cover the tipping process, if you should remove your tips when traveling with an infant, and who you need to be careful when tipping. Sheri from CruiseTipsTV tackles all your questions.

Kris recently returned from Royal Caribbean's Serenade of the Seas, a 13-night cruise in the Baltic. Kris recounts his experiences, talks to us about the dining and food, as well as ports. This sailing on had one sea day and the itinerary sounds fabulous!

Thoughts or reviews? Email me: [email protected]

We dropped in on the conference with the President of Carnival Corporation, Arnold Donald, to discuss their new Ocean Medallion they are launching on Princess Cruises. This wearable device is designed to enhance your cruise experience.

Thoughts or reviews? Email me: [email protected]

We get a review of Carnival Vista, Carnival Cruise Line's newest and most innovative ship. Hear all about the dining options, what to do on-board, and how to make the most out of your time on-board.

• Carnival Cruise Line calling to Princess Cays starting in 2007
• Norwegian Bliss will seasonally homeport in Florida
• Staggered check-in being rolled out to more cities
• Holland America ship gets perfect health inspection score
• Wave season update: top three cruise sales happening in January.

Thoughts or reviews? Email me: [email protected]

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On this episode we get a review of Norwegian Cruise Line's Norwegian Escape. Hear a detailed review of this massive ship, the dining options, entertainment, and staterooms.

Sherry Kennedy has cruise news on:

• Carnival Corporation's announcement on their new digital technology rolling out on Princess Cruises
• Royal Caribbean wants to send you onboard and pay you to take pictures
• Listener question: Can we bring a power strip on the ship?
• Listener question: Should I prepay my tips?

Thoughts or reviews? Email me: [email protected]

On this week's bonus episode, we get some tips and an overview of some Med cruise ports. Vickie shares her pre-cruise thoughts, getting over there, and how to make the most out of your time in Europe.

Read about Vickie's journeys on her blog: http://www.vickiecruises.com/

Thoughts or reviews? Email me: [email protected]

Marcia just returned from Holland America Line's newest ships, ms Koningsdam. Koningsdam, a ship that debuted earlier this year, is now based in Port Everglades after her European summer season. Sherry has cruise news on:

• Star Wars at sea returns
• Boss takes 800 employees on cruise
• Fathom DR sailings now stopping in Cuba
• Royal Caribbean told, "the ship is too big to dock here!"
• Listener question: getting a cruise refund before final payment

Thoughts or reviews? Email me: [email protected]

'Twas the night before the cruise, when all through the house Everyone was packing; have you seen Mom's blue blouse?

The kids' luggage was set by the back door with care, In hopes that they'd remembered to pack formal wear.

The children were nestled all snug in their beds, While visions of waterslides danced in their heads.

In the morning we got up and got coffee and fraps, And we got to the terminal without needing a map.

When we got on the ship we avoided the clatter, We sprang to the buffet to load up a platter.

Away to Guy's Burgers we flew like a flash, Next to the pools of kids making a splash.

The sun on the breast of the blue ocean waves Made me think of a drink, which I started to crave.

When, what to my wondering eyes should appear, But a goofy British man who was holding a beer.

At the site of him, someone beside me yelled, And I knew in a moment it must be John Heald.

More rapid than eagles the cruisers they came, And he whistled, and shouted, and began to exclaim:

"Now Sunshine! now, Glory! now, Pride and Sensation! On, Magic! On, Conquest! on Spirit and Elation!

To the Caribbean and to three ports of call; Now cruise away, cruise away, cruise away all!"

Some cruisers stood by and waved their goodbyes, As the ship's horn blew and the sunset in the skies.

So up to the lido deck the cruisers they flew, With cameras in hand to capture the view.

And then, in a twinkling, I heard on the deck The pouring of juice and some orange triple sec.

As I signed my receipt and left an extra tip, Up came John Heald to the top of the ship.

He was dressed in his swimsuit, ready for the slides, And he looked quite happy, with a pep in his stride.

A bag full of sunscreen he had flung on his back, With a Guy's burger inside, in case he needed a snack.

His eyes-how they twinkled! His dimples, how merry! But his chest won the contest for being too hairy!

His droll little mouth was drawn up like a bow, For he'd just heard the sketch for the comedy show.

As the senior cruise director of the whole Carnival fleet, He would shake the hand of every cruiser he'd meet.

He had a broad face and he loved the food at the deli, And in the mornings he room serviced toast with some jelly.

He was funny and kind, a right jolly old man, And I laughed when I saw him get a bit too tan.

A wink of his eye and a twist of his head, Soon gave me to know his skin would go red.

He spoke not a word, but went back to his work, As he wrote up the Fun Times for our day in Grand Turk.

He planned out the bingos, the trivias, the shows, And made sure to list when the ship's bars would close.

He then sprang to the mic, to his team gave a shout, And away they all flew, the crew so devout.

But I heard him exclaim, 'ere we sailed out of sight, "Happy cruising to all, and to all a good-night!"

On this episode, we get a review of Royal Caribbean's Allure of the Seas, one of the largest ships in the world, based in Port Everglades, Florida. Hear all about Ben's seven-night Western Caribbean cruise. Sheila from Cruising Excursions joins us to give us the benefits of booking a group shore excursions. Turns out booking a shore excursion with a group is cheaper than booking on your own.

Sherry has cruise news on:

• Carnival getting a new cruise ship
• Norwegian Cruise Line launching another $50 deposit sale
• Norwegian opening Cuba cruises up
• Carnival Liberty back at the Space Coast
• MSC Seaside counts down to Florida

Thoughts or reviews? Email me: [email protected]

On this week's bonus episode we get a review of Disney Cruise Line's Disney Dream on a four-night Bahamas sailing from Port Canaveral, Florida. Hear a review of Disney Dream, Castaway Cay, and the food, along with entertainment aboard Disney Cruise Line.