Think small cruise ports are forgettable? Think again. Let’s talk about why Norfolk, Virginia completely surprised me, and why I almost skipped it. From scenic sailaways past Navy ships to a cruise terminal located right in the heart of downtown, Norfolk offers charm, convenience, and serious cruise perks that even big ports can't beat.

Why do so many cruisers call Seattle the best port in the country? Let's talk about all the must-know info about cruising from Seattle. I talk about the two very different cruise terminals, how to get to and from them easily (and affordably), and my all-time favorite travel hack: Seattle’s free Port Valet luggage service. And yes, I answer the big question: Does it really rain all the time?

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Booked the Bahamas and ended up in Canada? Well, that’s just the start. This week’s cruise chaos includes Carnival’s loyalty backlash walkback (sort of), a Reddit blow-up over SeaPass card storage, cruisers mad about port changes, the impact of the government shutdown on cruising, and a norovirus outbreak on Royal Caribbean. It’s safe to say, this week’s cruise news is nothing short of wild.

What if the secret to enjoying Bermuda isn’t the beaches or excursions, but knowing how to actually get around? Let's talk ship about Bermuda, including its ferry system some cruisers overlook, top things to do in Bermuda, overnight calls, and deciding whether that “pink sand” is really pink.

What would make someone walk off a cruise ship and never come back? This week, we’ll discuss a chilling case where a woman voluntarily disappeared in Bonaire, echoing haunting stories like Amy Bradley's. From mysterious vanishings to rubber duck mischief, cruise ship thrill ride accidents, and even a big threat over a lost casino bet, this episode is packed with the unexpected.

What happens when cruise ships turn into floating tech labs? From facial recognition at embarkation to wristbands that summon champagne, today’s cruise experience blends convenience, novelty, and a fair share of trade-offs. What cruise tech excites you?

Would you turn a cruise ship around mid-voyage? That’s exactly what happened aboard Wonder of the Seas after a major onboard brawl left passengers injured and the ship headed back to Miami. In this week’s jam-packed episode, Melissa unpacks the drama and raises the question: Are cruise lines doing enough to prevent this kind of behavior?   

Headed out on your dream cruise? Before you set sail, are you sure you’re not that person everyone whispers about by day two? This episode is your no-BS guide to cruise ship etiquette, from avoiding the dreaded chair hog label to what not to do with a buffet plate. We talk about everything from noisy hallways and proper balcony behavior to tipping confusion and avoiding ship jail.

What would make someone jump off a cruise ship on purpose? Let's unpack a wild mix of stories, from a shocking overboard incident tied to a massive gambling debt to a real-life helicopter rescue on my own Carnival Sunshine cruise.

In this episode, we'll unpack the most important decisions you'll make when planning your Med sailing, from choosing between the culturally rich East or the classic West, to understanding why a closed-loop itinerary could save you time, money, and stress. Whether it’s Valletta, Malta’s magical harbor or the surprise charm of Valencia, Spain, the Mediterranean has a lot to offer cruisers.