36. Are Mega Cruise Ships Good for Cruising? with Matt Hochberg

Tony and Don discuss their recent cruise experience, focusing on their itinerary and the various ports they visited. They talk about their favorite spots, such as the Blue Lagoon in Iceland and the icebergs in Greenland. They also discuss the food options on the ship and the entertainment, including the production shows and other performers. The conversation then shifts to the topic of rude behavior on cruises and the recent protests in Amsterdam that have impacted cruise itineraries. They express their frustration with the protesters and discuss the need for consequences for interrupting legitimate business. In this conversation, Tony and Don discuss various topics related to cruising, including the impact of protests on cruise ports, the rising prices of cruises, the launch of new cruise ships, the value of cruising compared to land-based vacations, the future of mega ships, the inclusion of gratuities in cruise prices, and the role of social media in shaping perceptions of cruising. They also address the use of clickbait titles in their videos and the potential impact on viewers' decision to cruise.  

Ilana from Life Well Cruised is one of the top cruise content creators in the world. She provides here audience and community with a wealth information about how to make their cruise vacation more efficient and enjoyable. Millions have used her cruise tips to prepare for and make the best of their cruise. We cover a lot in this episode including how Ilana started cruising, what she thinks about the state of cruising in 2024, mega-ships, packing cubes, and her essential cruise tips for both new and seasoned cruisers.  Check out Life Well Cruised here: https://www.youtube.com/@LifeWellCruised Check out the video version of this podcast here: https://www.youtube.com/@cruisepodcast  

There seems to be a trend in the cruise industry to build bigger and bigger cruise ships. That is certainly the case with Royal Caribbean International. It begs the question are mega cruise ships good for cruising? I am joined today by Royal Caribbean expert Matt Hochberg of Royal Caribbean blog. We talk about mega cruise ship, his recent experience on Icon of the Seas, the role of private islands in cruising and much more.  Check out the video version of the podcast here: https://www.youtube.com/@cruisepodcast Check out Matt's Videos at: https://www.youtube.com/@RoyalCaribbeanBlog  

This week we talk to Derrick Phillps from the Island Time YouTube channel. Derrick is a seasoned cruiser and a travel agent and he recently completed cruises on both Royal Caribbean and Carnvial Cruise Line's newest cruise ship. He gives his take on Icon of the Seas, Carnival Jubilee, cruising with kids and more.  Check out the video version of the podcast here: https://www.youtube.com/@cruisepodcast Check out Derrick's channel Island Time here: https://www.youtube.com/@IslandTimeTravel

Recently I had the opportunity to be interviewed by Bill Panoff, the Editor-In-Chief of Porthole Magazine. He asked my cruise origins and my approach to cruising. Enjoy this reversal where I get asked questions for a change.  Check the video version of the podcast here: https://www.youtube.com/@cruisepodcast Check out Bill's YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@CruiseandTravelBP

Long time Princess and Carnival cruise Mike also know as The Nauti Cruiser joins me to talk about cruising on the new $1 billion dollar Carnival Jubilee and about how he cruises for free by gambling in the cruise casino. Video version of the podcast can be found at: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLoGEyIWH6f6mkJxDCweDag  

In today's episode I talk with Jay from the Shiplife YouTube channel. Jay is one of the largest cruise content creators in the world and has previously worked on cruise ships as a crewmember. We talk about all things cruising including his travel over the last 12 months, his favorite cruise ship activites and his insights on crew member life and crew member satisfaction. 

Is cruise nickel and diming out of control? Are we ready to cruise on the Carnival Paradise? What about that Disney Cruise Line wall of fame? We break it all down on today's episode of the cruise podcast.

Emma Cruises is one of the most successful cruise content creators in the space. She is a good story teller and has been able to bring solid cruising tips and information to cruisers worldwide. I sat down with Emma to talk about cruising. We talk about her cruise origin story, the charity work she does, what to expect when cruising to the UK, content creation and more. 

In this week's cruise podcast I sit down with long time cruise content creator Doug Parker from Cruise Radio. We jump in to his origin story as a Carnival cruiser and talk about how innovation has changed the cruise landscape over the last 14 years. We also talk cruise news and the exit of the cruise shutdown era CEOs. We cover a lot. Always great to talk with Doug. Check out the video version of this podcast here: https://youtu.be/65-TSghrnTo Email your questions and feedback to: [email protected]