Carnival Cruise Line is no stranger to controversy and it seems like events of the last week continues to reenforce that idea. Changes to drink package timing, changes to the loyalty program, weird lifeboat breakage and more have Carnival once again at the center of the conversation. In this episode Tommy and Tony work though these Carnival issues plus other cruise news and industry topics.

Reach out with questions or comments at: [email protected]

Get more from Tommy at: @alwaysbebookedcruisepodcas1247 Get more from Tony at: @LaLidoLoca

See the video of the podcast here:

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Time Stamps

00:14 Cruising Adventures and Experiences 03:05 Carnival's Drink Policy Controversy 06:24 The Impact of Drink Sharing and Profitability 09:11 Carnival Celebration: A Mixed Experience 12:11 Dining Experiences on Carnival 15:25 The Green Eggs and Ham Controversy 26:24 Carnival's Loyalty Program Controversy 28:27 Understanding the Changes in Loyalty Programs 31:04 The Impact of Customer Spending on Loyalty 33:11 The Future of Carnival's Loyalty Program 35:18 Customer Identity and Loyalty 36:58 The Fallout of Loyalty Program Changes 43:40 Tragic Events and Safety Concerns 47:19 Lifeboat Drill Incident 51:08 Misconceptions About Carnival Ships 52:16 Exploring Grand Turk 53:21 Exploring Grand Turk: A Unique Experience 57:31 Cruise Safety and Overboard Incidents 01:01:50 The Future of Cruising: Technology and Safety 01:08:30 Philosophical Musings on Reality and Experience 01:12:17 Closing Thoughts and Future Plans

Copyright 2025 - Cruise Talk Weekly

In this episode Tommy and Tony breakdown the latest happenings in the cruise industry and everything going on in the cruise space. There is a discussion of Ton'y recent experience with the Star Princess naming ceremony. The hosts also discuss, the transition from mass market cruise companies into cruises geared more for the mature cruiser. There is a discussion about Celebrity Cruises verses Princess. There is also a conversation around how law enforcement works on cruise ships and wether or not cruise lines should limit people ability to film on cruises.

Reach out with questions or comments at: [email protected]

Get more from Tommy at: @alwaysbebookedcruisepodcas1247 Get more from Tony at: @LaLidoLoca

See the video of the podcast here: https://youtu.be/oWDYGSgmTUA

#cruisetalk #cruisenews #travelnews

Copyright 2025 - Cruise Talk Weekly

In this episode of Cruise Talk Weekly, hosts Tommy and Tony discuss various topics related to cruising, including a tragic incident involving an elderly woman left behind during a cruise excursion in Australia, the implications of alcohol policies on cruise lines, and the impact of Hurricane Melissa on cruising. They also touch on customer expectations, complaints, and the recent announcement of Royal Caribbean's new beach club concept in Santorini. The conversation highlights the complexities of safety protocols, legal responsibilities, and the evolving landscape of the cruise industry.

QUESTIONS, COMMENTS, FEEDBACK? Email us at: [email protected]

See the video of this podcast here - https://youtu.be/uzwart77WL8 See More of Tommy at ⁨@alwaysbebookedcruisepodcas1247⁩ See More of Tony at ⁨@LaLidoLoca⁩ Segments: 00:14 Introduction and Daylight Savings Time 02:00 Tragic Incident on Coral Expeditions 08:24 Lessons Learned from the Incident 12:18 Legal Implications of Cruise Incidents 13:47 The Taylor Swift Cruise Incident 25:04 Hurricane Melissa's Impact on Cruising 31:34 Cruise Complaints and Passenger Expectations 33:57 Nostalgia and the Norwegian Gem 37:46 Cruising's Impact on Local Economies 39:54 Transitioning to a New YouTube Channel 42:29 Carnival's Loyalty Program Changes 48:09 Royal Caribbean's New Loyalty Program 52:19 Royal Caribbean's Beach Club Concept 58:25 Cultural Experiences vs. Beach Clubs

Copyright 2025 - Cruise Talk Weekly

In this episode of Cruise Talk Weekly, hosts Tommy and Tony discuss various aspects of cruising, including the ongoing issue of chair hogs, the importance of safety and parental responsibility on cruise ships, and the etiquette of photography while cruising. They also delve into the culture surrounding cruising, the dining experiences offered by different cruise lines, and the future of ship names. The conversation highlights the impact of social media on cruising culture and the expectations of guests while on vacation.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Cruise Talk Weekly 01:00 The Chair Hog Phenomenon 11:57 Cruise Safety and Parental Responsibility 15:53 The Impact of Social Media on Cruise Photography 29:50 Navigating Online Criticism and Main Character Syndrome 38:20 Ranking Cruise Dining Experiences 41:24 Exploring Culinary Options on Cruise Ships 44:15 Innovative Dining Concepts and Experiences 46:12 Dream Restaurants on Cruise Ships 49:41 Cruise Ship Dining and Local Flavors 53:39 Cruise Ship Naming Trends 55:22 Gifts for Crew Members: What Do They Really Want? 58:06 Closing Thoughts and Future Plans

Check out the video of the podcast here: https://youtu.be/F0dkm0es_Mw

In this episode, Tony and Tommy delve into the world of cruising, focusing on theme cruises and group cruises. They share personal experiences, discuss the dynamics of group travel, and explore the challenges and joys of cruising during stormy weather. The conversation shifts to Carnival's new destination, Celebration Key, and the changes in cruising practices, including the move towards digital information. They also touch on safety concerns regarding teenagers and balconies, emphasizing the importance of responsible behavior while cruising.

Check out Tommy here: ⁨@alwaysbebookedcruisepodcas1247⁩

Check out Tony here: ⁨@LaLidoLoca⁩

Watch the video version of this epsiode here - https://youtu.be/vSc5ku0yykA

Chapters

00:15 Welcome Back and Cruise Adventures 01:12 Exploring Theme Cruises 09:38 The Dynamics of Group Cruises 14:40 Cruising During Storm Season 23:02 Navigating Fame and Expectations 30:29 The Importance of Exclusivity in Experiences 31:27 Exploring the Northeastern Cruise Itinerary 33:47 Cultural Experiences in New York City 38:30 The Dynamics of Group Cruises 40:34 Karaoke and Group Engagement on Cruises 46:27 Celebration Key: A New Era in Cruising 53:33 The Seismic Shift in the Cruising Industry 54:56 Exploring Celebration Key: A Unique Experience 58:43 Comparing Celebration Key and Coco Cay 01:04:26 The Shift to Digital: Norwegian Cruise Line's Changes 01:10:14 Safety Concerns: Kids and Cruise Ship Balconies Z 01:14:08 Closing Thoughts and Future of Cruising

In this episode of Cruise Talk Weekly, hosts Tony and Tommy dive into the ultimate sea day experience, discussing everything from art auctions and dining options to the importance of rest and entertainment. They explore the balance between relaxation and activity on a cruise, share tips for enjoying sea days, and touch on current events in the cruising world, including Norwegian Cruise Line's new dining policy. The conversation highlights the unique aspects of cruising, the hard work of crew members, and the evolving trends in cruise experiences.

Check out Tommy at ⁨@alwaysbebookedcruisepodcas1247⁩

Check out Tony at ⁨@LaLidoLoca⁩

Check out the video version of the podcast here: https://youtu.be/dYoxdeuMFfg

In this episode of "Cruise Talk Weekly," Tommy and Tony dive into their recent cruise experiences, sharing insights and anecdotes from their journeys. They discuss the evolution of cruising, highlighting changes in connectivity, dining services, and entertainment. The conversation also touches on the rise of private island destinations and their impact on the cruise industry. Tony shares his thoughts on the cost of excursions and the value of private islands, while Tommy reflects on the nostalgic aspects of cruising and the importance of maintaining certain traditions. Together, they explore the balance between cost-cutting measures and maintaining a quality cruise experience, offering listeners a comprehensive look at the current state of cruising.

See the video version of this episode here - https://youtu.be/6_QTIzFsBWA

Check out Tommy at ⁨@alwaysbebookedcruisepodcas1247⁩ Check out Tony at ⁨@LaLidoLoca⁩

#cruise #cruisetalk #cruisenews

There are some cruise pet peeves that will trigger cruisers. In this episode of Cruise Talk Weekly, hosts Tony and Tommy dive into the world of cruising, discussing various pet peeves that cruisers encounter. They cover topics such as elevator etiquette, door slammers, unsupervised kids, and the importance of treating cruise staff with respect. The conversation also touches on the chaos of disembarkation day, the recent changes in cruise line loyalty programs, and the rising incidents of safety issues on cruises. The hosts reflect on the community aspect of cruising and the need for mutual respect among passengers. They conclude with thoughts on the recent increase in fights on cruise ships and the overall experience of cruising.

Chapters 00:00 Cruising into Pet Peeves 03:09 Elevator Etiquette and Its Challenges 05:56 Door Slammers and Cabin Etiquette 08:47 The Kids Factor: Supervision and Behavior 11:37 Cruiser Conduct: Respecting Crew Members 14:34 Smoking and Vaping: A Controversial Topic 17:09 Disembarkation Day: The Line Dilemma 20:08 Cruise Line Shortcomings: Venue Availability 23:03 Late-Night Food and Shopping Pet Peeves 36:23 Shopping on Cruise Ships: A Unique Experience 42:43 Cruise Pet Peeves: Navigating the Onboard Experience 53:53 Carnival's Loyalty Program Changes: A Controversial Shift 58:18 Cruising Safety: Addressing Recent Incidents 01:20:04 Cruise Fights: An Unfortunate Trend 01:27:59 Closing Thoughts: The Love for Cruising

What kind of cruise packer are you? In this episode of Cruise Talk Weekly, hosts Tony and Tommy delve into various aspects of cruising, focusing on packing strategies, the role of technology, and the essentials needed for a successful cruise experience. They share personal anecdotes, discuss industry trends, and explore the balance between enjoying a cruise and the presence of content creation. The conversation also touches on privacy concerns and the future of cruising innovations. #cruisepacking #cruisenews #cruisetalk

See More of Tommy at ⁨@alwaysbebookedcruisepodcas1247⁩ See More of Tony at ⁨@LaLidoLoca⁩ Chapters 00:14 Cruise Packing Strategies 02:58 The Importance of Unpacking 06:01 The $2 Bill Debate 08:46 Essential Non-Clothing Items for Cruising 11:32 Bluetooth Speakers on Cruises 22:05 The Binder Debate: Last Minute Packing Strategies 26:44 Cruise Packing Horror Stories and Lessons Learned 29:43 The Wild Side of Cruising: Casino Escapades and Consequences 37:12 Customs Encounters: The Unexpected Side of Cruising 40:12 Beverage Strategies: Staying Hydrated on a Cruise 43:05 Upcoming Adventures: Rare Cruises and Exciting Itineraries 47:24 Cruise Ship Naming Conventions 48:15 Luck and Momentum in Gambling 49:14 The Psychology of Gambling 52:09 The Experience of Dealers in Casinos 54:28 Cruising and Social Media Behavior 57:14 Internet Connectivity on Cruise Ships 01:15:35 Content Creation on Cruise Ships 01:19:00 Privacy and Filming in Public Spaces

What is the perfect cruise length? Tommy and Tony are back to break down everything going on this past week in the cruise space and to try and figure how long a perfect cruise should be.

Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Cruise Talk Weekly 02:45 Carnival's New Non-Alcoholic Drink Package 10:03 Carnival's Changes to Celebration Key 17:09 The Concept of Adults-Only Cruises 23:45 Cruise Line Itinerary Changes and Consumer Rights 27:17 Exploring Nassau: A Mixed Bag of Opinions 32:36 The Rise of River Cruising: Celebrity's New Venture 38:38 The Psychology of Gambling: Risks and Rewards 46:57 Powerball Dreams: The Lottery's Allure and Reality 52:19 The Insanity of Adult Behavior at Sporting Events 57:23 Cruise Length Preferences: Finding the Sweet Spot 01:01:52 The Impact of Departure Location on Cruise Experience 01:06:16 Closing Thoughts and Future Plans