Celebrity Xcel Review: First Impressions with Sometimes Sailing

In this episode, we're reflecting on everything 2025 brought—from some great family cruises and trips and behind-the-scenes cruise line previews. We reveal our next cruise on Carnival Legend, talk about what drew us to this sailing, and share what we'll be covering once onboard, including food, ports, and value for the price. We also share a brief life and health update, say thank you for the support, and tease another big cruise on the horizon. If you love cruising, honest reflections, and a peek at what's coming next, this episode is for you. https://www.amazon.com/live/cruisetipstv

As 2025 comes to a close, we're taking an honest look back at Cruising in 2025: What We Got Right, What Surprised Us, What Missed the Mark at the year in cruising—what we got right, what genuinely surprised us, and what didn't quite live up to the hype. In this Unplugged episode, we talk through the trends we accurately predicted, the changes we didn't see coming, and the cruise lines that quietly over-delivered when no one was looking. We also dig into the ideas that sounded great on paper but fell short in real life, and how our own cruising habits, expectations, and mindset shifted over the past year.  We wrap things up by looking ahead to 2026—what we're excited about, what we're cautiously optimistic about, and what we're hoping cruise lines continue to get right. No hot takes for the sake of hot takes—just thoughtful reflection from a year at sea and where we see cruising heading next. Download our shore day bag checklist and more cruise packing and planning checklists & videos by joining the CruiseTipsTV Academy at https://academy.cruisetipstv.com

It's time for another listener Q&A! This week we're covering a wide range of cruise questions—from the best Alaska splurges (glacier treks vs. flightseeing) to practical tips for cruising with toddlers, including diapers, strollers, and mealtime strategies. We also dive into Japan cruise planning (why a roundtrip Yokohama sailing can be a game-changer), what's happening in the Galveston cruise market, smart Princess Cruises tips, and even cruise-friendly skincare essentials. If you've got cruise questions, chances are they're answered in this episode. Download our shore day bag checklist and more cruise packing and planning checklists & videos by joining the CruiseTipsTV Academy at https://academy.cruisetipstv.com

In this episode, we welcome Dan and Mikkel of Sometimes Sailing to break down their experience onboard Celebrity Xcel. From embarkation impressions to favorite spaces, dining highlights, surprises, and tips for future guests, this conversation offers a fresh look at Celebrity's newest ship. Download our shore day bag checklist and more cruise packing and planning checklists & videos by joining the CruiseTipsTV Academy at https://academy.cruisetipstv.com

In this listener Q&A episode, we answer your top cruise questions, from gym and spa etiquette onboard—what's helpful and what's not—to our favorite pre-cruise hotels in Miami and Fort Lauderdale. Plus, we give the honest truth about cruise ship internet and how to make it work for you. Practical tips, insider insight, and real talk from the CruiseTipsTV community! Download our shore day bag checklist and more cruise packing and planning checklists & videos by joining the CruiseTipsTV Academy at https://academy.cruisetipstv.com

Join us as we recap our incredible voyage aboard Norwegian Bliss during the Latitudes Rewards Members Cruise—a sailing packed with loyal guests, unique experiences, and tons of fun. We're sharing what it was like onboard, how to book next year's, and what activities NCL did for the Latitudes guests! We also dive into a BIG entertainment announcement on Norwegian Luna, Norwegian Cruise Line's newest ship, arriving soon. If you love Norwegian, cruising, or just want the inside scoop on Norwegian Bliss and Norwegian Luna, this episode is for you. Download our shore day bag checklist and more cruise packing and planning checklists & videos by joining the CruiseTipsTV Academy at https://academy.cruisetipstv.com

This week, Sheri sits down with Wendy, her travel agent partner at CruiseTipsTV, to chat about Norwegian Cruise Line's switch back to Free at Sea — what it means for cruisers — plus a fun dive into the world of Amtrak travel. Whether you love the sea or the rails, this episode is full of travel inspo and insider insight! Download our shore day bag checklist and more cruise packing and planning checklists & videos by joining the CruiseTipsTV Academy at https://academy.cruisetipstv.com

In this episode, we share what we did in each port on our Norwegian Spirit Cruise to Japan. From spending our wedding anniversary in Hiroshima to the extreme heat viewing Mt Fuji, we saw and did a LOT on this once in a lifetime cruise to Japan! Download our shore day bag checklist and more cruise packing and planning checklists & videos by joining the CruiseTipsTV Academy at https://academy.cruisetipstv.com

Ever wondered what it's really like to cruise with Disney — and how to make the most of it? In this episode of CruiseTipsTV Unplugged, Sheri sits down with Sam and Brian from DCL Duo for a fun, relaxed conversation all about their love for Disney Cruise Line. They share stories from their latest sailings, chat about how DCL Duo got started, and hear about their latest cruise to Alaska. You'll also hear their best tips for planning a Disney cruise, plus a rapid-fire round filled with cruise favorites, dream destinations, and a few surprises! Download our shore day bag checklist and more cruise packing and planning checklists & videos by joining the CruiseTipsTV Academy at https://academy.cruisetipstv.com

Join us for an inspiring conversation with Royal Caribbean Group's Chairman, Richard Fain, as he reveals the secrets behind the company's culture of innovation and what it really takes to redefine the modern vacation. Plus, Richard shares stories and lessons from his new book, Delivering the Wow. Download our shore day bag checklist and more cruise packing and planning checklists & videos by joining the CruiseTipsTV Academy at https://academy.cruisetipstv.com