Thinking of booking a cruise? Before you set sail, it’s important to know what’s really included in your fare—and what will cost extra once you’re onboard. In this episode of Magically Cruising: The Cruise Podcast, Kieran and Sarah dive into the hidden costs of cruising that can surprise even experienced cruisers.

We chat about:

• What’s included in your cruise fare (and what isn’t!)
• The real cost of drinks packages, dining plans, Wi-Fi & gratuities
• Excursions and onboard activities that can quickly add up
• How different cruise lines like Royal Caribbean, Disney, Princess, Celebrity & Virgin Voyages handle extras
• Tips to budget smarter and avoid a shock at the end of your sailing

Whether you’re new to cruising or a seasoned cruiser, this episode will help you plan, budget, and make the most of your next holiday at sea.

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Virgin Voyages has just revealed its fourth ship – Brilliant Lady – with some smart improvements, design tweaks, and bold new itineraries, including Alaska and the Panama Canal. But is she truly different from her sister ships, or just more of the same?

In this week’s episode of Magically Cruising: The Cruise Podcast, Kieran (independent travel agent & cruise expert) and Sarah (family travel & cruise blogger at Mini Travellers) dive into what sets Brilliant Lady apart.

Kieran shares his exclusive first impressions onboard, from upgraded cabin layouts and refreshed dining to entertainment changes and Virgin’s softer branding shift. We also explore her exciting new sailings across North America, Alaska, and beyond – plus whether these changes make Virgin Voyages more appealing to first-time cruisers.

👉 If you’re wondering whether Brilliant Lady is worth booking, this episode gives you the insider details you need before deciding.

What's new on Brilliant Lady

See us over on Mini Travellers for more cruise tips https://minitravellers.co.uk/?s=cruise

Book a Cruise with a UK Agent https://magical-traveller.com

See Magical Traveller on YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/⁨@MagicalTRVLR⁩ 

And Mini Travellers on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@MiniTravellers

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Cruise Ship Private Islands: Are They Worth It? | Castaway Cay, Perfect Day at CocoCay, Bimini Beach Club & More! 🛳️

Today, we’re diving into one of the biggest debates in the cruise world: cruise ship private islands. Are they the ultimate Caribbean escape… or just an extension of the cruise bubble?

We chat about our experiences on some of the best cruise line private islands in the Caribbean right now:

⚓ Disney’s Castaway Cay – the original family-friendly private island that still delivers the magic.

⚓ Royal Caribbean’s Perfect Day at CocoCay – with its record-breaking waterslides, Thrill Waterpark, Chill Island, and luxury cabanas.

⚓ Virgin Voyages’ Beach Club at Bimini – a stylish, adults-only beach club vibe with DJs, pools, and that iconic float-out party.

We also touch on:

➡️ The pros & cons of private islands (are you missing out on local culture?)

➡️ What’s actually included in your day ashore (food, drinks, activities).

➡️ How cruise lines like Royal Caribbean, Disney Cruise Line, Carnival, Virgin Voyages, and MSC are racing to build bigger, better private destinations.

➡️ Whether these “perfect” destinations are worth the hype, or the extra $$$.

If you’re planning a Caribbean cruise 2025/2026 or just curious about what makes these private islands so popular, this episode is packed with insider tips, honest opinions, and a little cruise gossip along the way!

🚢 Mentioned in this video/podcast:

Castaway Cay (Disney Cruise Line)

Perfect Day at CocoCay (Royal Caribbean)

Beach Club at Bimini (Virgin Voyages)

Celebration Key (Carnival)

Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve (MSC Cruises)

👉 Have you been to a private island? Do you love them… or avoid those itineraries? Drop your thoughts in the comments!

🔔 Don’t forget to like, subscribe & join us every week on Magically Cruising: The Cruise Podcast for cruise tips, reviews & stories.

See us over on Mini Travellers for more cruise tips

Book a Cruise with a UK Agent

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Think family cruise lines are just for kids? Think again! In this video, we're sharing exactly what it’s like to sail on a family cruise line as an adult – the surprises, the hidden perks, and why you might love it even if you don’t have children with you.

F

rom private adults-only retreats and gourmet dining to incredible entertainment and world-class spa experiences, I’ll take you through the parts of a family cruise that many adults overlook. You’ll also hear the pros, cons, and little secrets that could make or break your trip.

Whether you’re planning your first cruise or considering a switch from an adults-only ship, this honest review will help you decide if a family cruise line is right for you.

💡 In this video:

⚓ Our honest thoughts on family cruises without kids

🍹 Hidden adult-only areas and activities you’ll love

🎭 Entertainment that goes way beyond kids’ shows

🛏️ Cabins, dining, and service from an adult perspective

🚢 How family cruise lines compare to adult-only cruises

🎙️ About Magically Cruising Podcast

We’re cruise lovers sharing insider tips, reviews, and travel stories to help you plan your next adventure at sea.

📌 More Cruise Tips & Reviews:

➡️ Oasis of the Seas Ship Review https://minitravellers.co.uk/review-of-oasis-of-the-seas-with-photo-tour/

➡️ Guide to Disney Cruise Line for Adults https://magical-traveller.com/is-disney-cruise-line-for-adults

🚢 Book a UK Cruise https://magical-traveller.com/

🚢 For More Cruise Content, See Sarah and Donna's TikTok For All Things Cruise

https://www.tiktok.com/@cruisingwithkids?_t=ZN-8yVtBcQvaTe&_r=1

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LISTENER NOTE: Kieran was onboard Majestic Princess, so apologies for the lower quality sound than usual.

Welcome aboard, another episode of Magically Cruising: The Cruise Podcast, your go-to show for cruise reviews, expert tips, and all things ocean travel!

This week, join Kieran (independent travel agent & cruise specialist) and Sarah (cruise blogger at Mini Travellers) as they deep-dive into life onboard Majestic Princess by Princess Cruises. Recorded mid-sailing in the Bay of Biscay, we talk:

🚢 What it’s really like sailing with Princess Cruises in 2025

🍽️ Is the Premier Beverage Package worth the upgrade?

🐒 Exploring Gibraltar (with monkeys, dolphins... and bird poop mishaps!)

🧭 Traditional vs. contemporary cruise experiences

🛳️ Why Princess may (or may not) be the right cruise line for you

Whether you’re a seasoned cruiser or booking your very first sailing, this episode gives you an honest, fun, and informative look at what to expect on a Princess itinerary, especially if you're weighing it against Virgin Voyages, Celebrity, or Royal Caribbean.

Plus: Kieran tests OceanNow live during the episode – will his coffee and water arrive before we’re done talking?

See More

Sarah and Donna TikTok For All Things Cruise

Kieran's first impressions of sailing Majestic Princess in Europe

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In this episode of Magically Cruising, we’re diving into one of the biggest decisions cruisers face: Should you book a shore excursion through the cruise line, or go it alone? Whether you're planning a Mediterranean cruise, Caribbean getaway, or Norwegian fjords adventure, we break down the pros and cons of cruise ship excursions versus independent tours.

We share insider tips, real cruise stories, and expert advice to help you make the most of your port days without wasting time or money. From port safety to excursion reliability, insurance cover, and the all-important “what happens if you're late back to the ship?” This episode covers everything UK cruisers need to know.

Perfect for:

🚢 Cruise holidaymakers planning their next adventure

🌍 Travel lovers curious about cruising

🇬🇧 UK families and couples looking for value and peace of mind

Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and check out our show notes for handy links and resources to help you plan smarter cruise port days.

See More

How to visit Oia, when on a cruise and take the stress out of visiting Santorini

What To Do In Key West Cruise Port

Walking guide to visiting Rome from Civitavecchia

What To Do In Miami Cruise Port

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In this episode of the Magically Cruising Podcast, your hosts Sarah and Kieran dive into the exciting updates coming to three of Royal Caribbean’s popular ships: Harmony of the Seas, Ovation of the Seas, and Liberty of the Seas.

We break down what “amplification” really means, the new features being added to these ships, and why we think these changes are a game-changer for families and cruise fans alike. From upgraded dining and entertainment to all-new attractions and tech enhancements, we cover everything you need to know about these soon to be revamped Royal Caribbean ships.

Whether you're planning your next cruise or just love staying up to date with the latest cruise news, this episode is packed with insights, excitement, and expert opinions.

See Allure of the Seas after her Amplification

Take A Look At The Drinks Packages on Royal Caribbean

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Are Royal Caribbean’s older and smaller ships still worth booking in 2025 and beyond? In this episode of Magically Cruising, Sarah and Kieran explore whether the cruise line’s classic ships still hold up against the latest mega-ships like Icon and Wonder of the Seas.

Join us as we dive into:

• What to expect from Royal Caribbean’s Vision, Radiance and Voyager class ships
• Whether these smaller and older ships offer better value for money
• How the onboard experience compares to newer ships
• Unique itineraries you won’t find on the big ships
• Entertainment, dining, cabins and kids’ clubs, what’s still on offer
• Who these ships are perfect for?

Whether you're a loyal Royal Caribbean fan or booking your first cruise, this episode is packed with practical advice and honest opinions to help you decide.

Also See

Tour of Allure of the Seas

View the Royal Caribbean Europe 2025 Sailings here

Voyager of the Seas Ship Tour

View the Royal Caribbean Europe 2026 Sailings here

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In this episode: "Are Cruises Still Safe?" – Sarah and Kieran dive into the rising concerns about violence and onboard security. From high-profile incidents to questions around safety measures, passenger behaviour, and how cruise lines are responding.

How secure are cruise ships in today’s world? What protections are in place for guests and crew? And what do you really need to know before stepping aboard?

Stay with us as we chart a course through the facts, the fears, and the future of cruise safety.

Disney Cruise Line 2026 Sailings from Southampton

Why We Don't Love Short Cruises

Is Disney Cruise Line All Inclusive?

Take A Look At Allure of the Seas 100 Million Dollar Renovation

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Sarah and Kieran discuss speciality dining on cruise ships and talk about why its worth the extra. But also what free dining is included in your cruise. Looking at personal favourites and why they choose to opt for speciality dining over and above free dining.

Guide to Dining on Virgin Voyages

Speciality Dining Guide on Royal Caribbean

Guide to Dining on Disney Cruise Line

Place to Eat Free on Oasis of the Seas

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