Ever get annoyed by chair hogs or wish for a child-free cruise? In this episode, we’re diving into the spicy side of cruising! From unruly kids to crowded buffets, we’ll explore the most polarizing opinions in the cruise world and unpack why they spark such strong reactions. What unpopular cruise opinions do you secretly agree with?

Ever thought cruising was just for the older crowd or assumed it would be boring? Think again! In this episode, we're busting the top 5 myths about cruising that keep people from experiencing the adventure of a lifetime. From misconceptions about who cruises are for, to the truth about costs and entertainment options, we’re giving you the real scoop on what cruising is actually like. Tune in to get the truth about cruising.

In this episode of the Cruise Pod, I explain the unconventional reason why I became a travel agent. I also demystify the confusing process of becoming a travel agent and what that involves. I'll explore essential FAQs like how to become an agent, the costs involved, and whether you need prior experience. I'll address common concerns such as the potential to work from home, the viability of becoming a full-time travel agent, and practical aspects of being a travel agent, such as tax write-offs, avoiding MLM schemes, and leveraging discounts effectively. If you want more info, visit www.professormelissa.com/travelagent

Welcome to the Cruise Pod! Today, we're diving into how to snag "free" casino cruises, a fantastic perk for those who enjoy a bit of gambling aboard. We'll cover which cruise lines offer these comps, what 'free' really means in this context, and how casinos calculate your eligibility through systems like 'coin-in value' and 'Average Daily Theoretical' or ADT. I'll also share some strategies for maximizing your benefits and even getting offers matched by competing cruise lines.

Welcome to a new episode of the Cruise Pod where we tackle a significant but less-discussed issue on cruise ships: brawls and disturbances. Although often spotlighted on Carnival Cruise Lines, this problem is not exclusive to any single operator. In this episode, we delve into recent incidents, including a brawl on the Carnival Freedom and a disruption at an MSC comedy show. We explore where and why these altercations occur and discuss how cruise lines could better address these issues. What's your take on this? Are cruise cultures deteriorating, or are incidents more visible now with social media?

In this episode of the Cruise Pod, we dive into the controversial story of influencers Matt and Abby Howard, and their decision to leave their young children unattended in their stateroom while on a cruise. We'll break down who Matt and Abby Howard are, the specifics of the cruise they were on, and address the question of dining requirements in the Main Dining Room (MDR). Additionally, we'll explore the age of their children, the variety of food options available on cruises, and the free childcare services offered by Royal Caribbean. I'll also share my perspective on the situation, examining the choices made by Matt and Abby and the broader implications for parents cruising with young children. Tune in to get the full scoop on this recent story.

Join me in this episode of the Cruise Pod as we uncover five strategies to snag a cheap cruise! We'll explore tips on timing your booking—whether it's early or last-minute—and reveal how some cruisers score free trips through casino offers. Discover the benefits of sailing during the off-season, learn the best places to hunt for cruise deals, and see how flexibility can lead to significant savings. Plus, don't miss our bonus tip on how to save money while you're actually cruising. Dive into these cost-cutting tricks that can make your next cruise more affordable without sacrificing the fun! Tune in for all my insider tips of how to ball on a budget.

Welcome to a fresh episode of the Cruise Pod where we unlock the top 10 cruise secrets that will transform your vacation experience! From how to land early booking discounts to the ins and outs of securing cabin upgrades, these insider tips are invaluable. We’ll also shed light on less-known aspects of cruising, such as onboard morgues and the real deal behind those 'hidden fees.' Plus, we dive into the nuances of onboard medical costs, excursion markups, duty-free shopping tricks, the intricacies of gratuities, beverage packages, and the disembarkation process. Ready to cruise smarter?

In this episode of the Cruise Pod, we're diving into the 10 most common mistakes new cruisers make and how you can steer clear of them. From overpacking to flying in on the day of departure, these pitfalls can easily dampen your cruise experience. We'll cover essential tips like planning ahead for port days, understanding the ship's layout, managing your spending, and handling the tempting cruise drink packages. Plus, we'll discuss some other key tips and tricks to avoid making a costly cruise blunder.

Welcome to a new episode of the Cruise Pod where we delve into the debate over Carnival Cruise Line phasing out linen tablecloths in their dining areas. While some passengers are recently upset by this change, although it happened years ago, others see it as minor. I'll explore the significant reactions to this adjustment, discussing cruise culture, the influence of cruise personalities like John Heald, and the Boiled Frog Principle to understand the subtle shifts in cruising. We'll also touch on accusations of greenwashing and the future outlook of cruising. Tune in as we unpack this layered issue.