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Ready to step outside your cruising comfort zone? Join us as we sit down with Paul C Thornton, the mastermind behind the Joy of Cruising series and podcast, who has been navigating the seas since 1988. Paul brings his wealth of knowledge and personal anecdotes, highlighting the unique appeal of Virgin Voyages' adult-only atmosphere and superb dining. Relive Paul's family adventures on Carnival and witness how his tastes have matured over the years, offering a fresh perspective on why it's worth exploring new cruise lines.

Ever been frustrated by limited dining choices on a cruise? You're not alone. We tackle the thorny issue of complimentary dining, particularly with MSC Cruises, sharing our own trials and tribulations aboard the MSC Meraviglia. From overcrowded buffets to scarce options, we shed light on how these limitations can sour the experience for seasoned cruisers. But it's not all doom and gloom—tune in for our suggestions on how MSC could easily elevate their game and turn first-time guests into loyal fans.

Finally, we debunk some cruising myths and bring you up to speed on the latest industry buzz. Think Cunard requires formal attire 24/7? Think again. We'll clarify those dress code misconceptions and even touch on tuxedo rentals aboard. Plus, learn about NCLs  cost-cutting strategies and the introduction of premium liquors on Princess Cruises. As a cherry on top, discover the latest celebrity branding initiatives on the Sun Princess and Royal Caribbean's new loyalty program extension. This episode is packed with insights, surprises, and plenty of reasons to rethink your next cruise adventure.

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Ever felt like your peaceful cruise was actually a covert operation to empty your wallet? Join us, Linzi and Mark, as we air out the cruise industry's dirty laundry, tackling everything from those aggressive spa sales pitches to the omnipresent upsell lurking behind every corner on deck. We're not holding back as we share our gripes and laughs, revealing the less-than-relaxing aspects of life at sea on both MSC and Royal Caribbean ships. It's a candid conversation that'll have you nodding in agreement or, at the very least, prepping you for your next cruise adventure.

Prepare to cringe and chuckle as we discuss our pet peeves and don't get us started on 'special offers' – we unpack how these sneaky extra costs can deflate the joy of what should be a tranquil experience faster than a punctured baloon. 

To round off our sea-faring saga, we explore the good, the bad, and the downright rude of cruise ship disembarkations. From the universal dread of finding your disembarkation documents piled on your bed, signaling the end of your holiday, to the varied farewells of cruise lines—the goodbyes can be as diverse as the ships themselves. Plus, we're dishing out the latest scoop on airline and cruise partnerships, including P&O's TUI tie-up and why Oceania's Allura is making waves with its early launch. For all this and more, make sure you catch this episode—you might just disembark with a few insider tips to make your next cruise a smoother sail.

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Ever wonder if the extra splurge on specialty dining during your cruise is a ticket to culinary bliss or just another hole in your pocket? We've got the scoop, as the legendary Travel Blog Jamie joins Linz and Mark for a no-holds-barred discussion on navigating the tempting waves of cruise ship culinary costs. We're weighing anchor and setting sail to discover if those £40-Plus-a-plate experiences promise enough gastronomic delight to part with your hard-earned cash, sharing our personal threshold for extravagance, and dishing on the exceptional value that lines like Fred Olsen bring to the dining table.

In this episode, our taste buds embark on a tantalizing journey where memories of the most mouth-watering dishes like the Krispy Kreme-esque bread from Veranda Restaurant linger like the scent of the sea. Together with Jamie, we chat about the specialty dining scenes that have us salivating for more, from the risotto at Eden Restaurant on Celebrity Edge to the customised Cunard burgers that are a voyage in themselves. And we’re not just talking about the hits; we also spill the beans on those less stellar dining experiences that left us adrift in a sea of disappointment.

But it's not all about the food – it's the full cruise adventure that counts. We chat about the maiden voyage of Cunard's newest ship, unpacking our strategies for smooth sailing through those inaugural service hiccups. From the excitement of fresh itineraries to adapting to the brisk Alaskan climate, we cover all the elements that shape a the new Virgin Voyages cruises on Brilliant Lady, and chat about P&O's controversial changes to it's alcohol policy and drinks package price increases. 
So join us, whether you're a foodie cruiser dreaming about your next on-board date night or simply love the thrill of the open sea, we've got a first-class ticket to a specialty dining experiences

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In this episode of the Cruise Cast, we talk about whether cruising remains good value for money. Over the past four or five years, we have seen significant increases in cruise fare, as well as onboard upgrades, so in 2024, is it still value for money, and how does it compare to other vacation options?

We also give our thoughts on a couple of recent cruise stories, and give you our takes, this week we are looking at a Virgin Voyages Brilliant Lady's new destinations, Princess Cruises new ship within a ship, and Holland America confirming a second season in the UK in 2026. 

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In Episode 5 of the Suite Natured Cruise Cast, we are taking a look at how to convince someone, whether that your partner, significant other, friend or family member to take their first cruise. 

We look at the misconception behind cruising, the myths that lead to them, and the reality of what taking a cruise really is like. 

We also take a look at three of the last weeks big news stories and give our take and reactions to them. 

When Marky scoffed at the idea of a cruise vacation, little did he know he was about to set sail on an ocean of change. Join us as we recount the comical journey from his outright refusal to his transformation into a cruise aficionado. In a tale rife with laughs and debunked myths, we reveal how a family opportunity and an irresistible suite deal on Royal Caribbean flipped the script on our vacation dynamics. Plus, we've got some hot news stories simmering in the background, ready to serve up some fresh insight.

Selecting your first cruise is like picking the right wine for dinner – it can make or break the evening. We talk about why a seven-night cruise hits that sweet spot for beginners and how matching your partner's vibe to the cruise line can lead to smooth sailing. 

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Linzi & Mark

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In episode 4 of the Suite Natured Cruise Cast, we talk about whether the new Sphere Class ship, Sun Princess from Princess Cruises was worth the wait, and years of wait and the hype building up around her.

From the whisper of anticipation that preceded its launch to the spellbinding 'Spellbound' dinner show, this episode will transport you through a sea of stories that'll make you yearn for the ocean breeze. We'll even let you in on a secret or two about the future of cruising with the Sphere class ships, and if you're feeling creative, you might just become the composer of our new theme song ;)

Navigating the tides of cruise news, we've caught wind of some unexpected changes that are sure to stir the waters. Join us as we examine Norwegian Cruise Line's decision to cancel 20 sailings, and speculate on the cascading effect this may have on those looking for their next cruise adventure. We'll also weigh anchor and set sights on the extravagant world cruise by Regent Seven Seas, musing over what makes a 140-night journey at sea a dream—or a drift—for curious travellers like you.

Lastly, as we chart a course through the evolving landscape of all-inclusive cruises, we tackle the big questions that could sway your cruising compass. Are the shifts towards an inclusive model by lines like Hertigruten Expeditions signaling a new tide in travel, or are they merely ripples in the vast ocean of vacation choices? We'll share our candid thoughts on cabin selections, the allure of sheltered balconies, and the nuances of what 'all-inclusive' truly includes. So join us for insights that might just redefine your next escape to the seven seas.

Sorry for all the cheesy cruise puns. 

Have a lovely day, and thanks for listening,
Linzi & Mark 

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Ever wondered whether a cruise vacation trumps a stay at Disney World? Join us, Linzi and Mark, as we unpack the suitcases of our travel experiences and weigh anchor on the debate of sea versus land getaways. Our latest chat floats through the ease of cruising—you know, waking up in new ports without the headache of packing and repacking—and contrasts it with our well-trodden holiday path to the 'Most Magical Place on Earth'. We dive into a treasure chest of memories, from a potent Ouzo mix-up to the anticipation of our Athens adventure, injecting our sea stories with personal quirks like Linzi’ loathing for lounging too long in the sun.

Cruising through our conversation, we sail past the cookie-cutter vacation and into the waters of personal preference. With a nod to the varied vibes of cruise lines, from Carnival's party waves to Holland America's sophisticated sails, we chart the course for finding that dream holiday fit. But don't think we're anchored to the ocean; we acknowledge the siren call of cultural treasures too, like the scenic train to Machu Picchu, proving that our hearts can be lured away by a land that promises unique experiences.

And for those craving a bit of thematic fun on the open sea, we've got you covered. Imagine the razzle-dazzle of a Eurovision-themed cruise, complete with viewing parties and singalongs. But why stop at pop? We beam into the idea of a Star Trek cruise, musing over the joy of dressing up and immersing ourselves in another world. So, if you're ready for a spirited voyage through the highs and hilarity of themed cruising, pull up an anchor and join us for a journey like no other. Cheers to another round of adventure—and remember, watch those 'rules' of drinking!

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Welcome to Episode 2 of the Suite Natured Cruise Cast Podcast.

In this episode, we discuss our experiences with cruise excursions that didn't go as planned. Sharing three examples, including a chef's food market excursion, an Albanian wine store excursion, and a disappointment in the Azores. We reflect on the lessons learned from these experiences and the importance of thorough research when booking excursions. Additionally, we discuss recent cruise news, including a partnership between Princess Cruises and Diamonds International, Virgin Voyages canceling its Australian season, and a crime-themed cruise by Nicko Cruises.

Each of our episodes in shot in real time and is totally unscripted, meaning the direction of each podcast can go in a very different direction to what we intended :)

If you enjoy this podcast, please consider subscribing to our channel both for the podcast and on YouTube, https://youtube.com/c/suitenatured for our full range of cruise content

Support the show

If you enjoyed this episode please consider supporting the channel via our YouTube Membership https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCNaAHapT85jdtLYwrJhFsCw/join

And please consider subscribing to the channel https://youtube.com/c/suitenatured to keep up to date with all our latest videos, podcasts and live streams

Cheers, and have a lovely day
Linzi & Mark

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This is our first episode of the Suite Natured Cruise Cast Podcast. 

In this episode we introduce ourselves & Suite Natured, as well as talking about the last minute cancellation of our Sun Princess Cruise, and give our thoughts on other recent cruise news.

In each episode we cover a range of topical cruise related topics, antidotes and cruise news stories.

Each of our episodes in shot in real time and is totally unscripted, meaning the direction of each podcast can go in a very different direction to what we intended :)

If you enjoy this podcast, please consider subscribing to our channel both for the podcast and on YouTube, https://youtube.com/c/suitenatured for our full range of cruise content

Support the show

If you enjoyed this episode please consider supporting the channel via our YouTube Membership https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCNaAHapT85jdtLYwrJhFsCw/join

And please consider subscribing to the channel https://youtube.com/c/suitenatured to keep up to date with all our latest videos, podcasts and live streams

Cheers, and have a lovely day
Linzi & Mark