Best First Time Cruiser Podcasts (2025)

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Ep. 583 - Live Bonus Show - Don’t Be “That” Cruiser! Disney Cruise Line Etiquette 101 with Amy 1:36:01

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13h ago1:36:01

1:36:01

This week on the DCL Duo Podcast, we’re talking cruise manners with Amy, a former Plan Disney panelist. Amy joins us to share her take on Disney Cruise Line etiquette—everything from deck chair saving and dining room behavior to showtime manners and Cast Member interactions. Whether you’re a first-time cruiser or a seasoned DCL veteran, we’re cover…

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Battle of Midway Archival Footage - Episode 524 1:29:51

1d ago1:29:51

1:29:51

This week Seth Paridon and Jon Parshall take a look at the archival footage shot just before and during the Battle of Midway from June 3-7, 1942. Some of the footage we go through here was shot in late May 1942 aboard USS Enterprise and shows such future Midway heroes such as Wade McClusky, Dusty Kleiss, Cleo Dobson and others. The guys then go thr…

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Ep. 582 - Welcome Home? More Like Welcome Aboard! Tom's Family Sails the Disney Treasure for the First Time 1:27:36

3h ago1:27:36

1:27:36

Tom and his wife from the Welcome Home Podcast join us to share their family’s first Disney Cruise experience aboard the Disney Treasure! Hear what this DVC-loving family thought of rotational dining, staterooms, Castaway Cay, onboard entertainment, and what makes the Treasure unique among Disney Cruise Line’s fleet. Listen now and join the convers…

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Ep. 581 - Live Bonus Show - Disney Fantasy Rerouted! Leticia’s Unexpected Voyage to Norway 1:03:25

1h ago1:03:25

1:03:25

What happens when Mother Nature changes your Disney Cruise Line itinerary? Our guest Leticia joins us to share how her Disney Magic British Isles sailing turned into an unforgettable trip to Norway after weather forced DCL to reroute. We dive into how Disney Cruise Line handles itinerary changes, what guests can expect when their plans shift, and w…

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Luxury Meets History: Barge Cruising England’s Iconic Thames River 34:49

1h ago34:49

34:49

Celebrate the one-year anniversary of "Quiltripping Travel with Rose" on Big Blend Radio! Travel writer and photographer Rose Palmer shares her unforgettable experience celebrating her 40th wedding anniversary aboard the Magna Carta barge with European Waterways. This luxurious barge cruise along England’s historic Thames River blends elegance, cul…

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Episode 1 - Disney Wish Concierge Review. Is it Worth It? 51:39

6d ago51:39

51:39

If you’ve ever wondered what it’s really like to experience the Disney Wish Concierge, this episode is a must-listen! We’re sitting down with Brian, a lifelong Disney fan with deep roots in Disney Parks and Disney Cruise Line history, as he shares his first-ever sailing on the Disney Wish — and his very first time staying in Concierge level.Brian’s…

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The 4 Most Popular Cruise Lines: Who’s Best & Who to Avoid? (Podcast #469) 12:55

5h ago12:55

12:55

By Gary Bembridge Essential Cruise Tips

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Raising the Fleet: Pearl Harbor Salvage Operations - Episode 523 1:13:52

1d ago1:13:52

1:13:52

By Seth Paridon, Jon Parshall

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Ep. 580 - From Castle to Cay: Dallas’ Disney World & Disney Magic Adventure 1:22:41

3d ago1:22:41

1:22:41

This week, we’re joined by Dallas and Taylor to chat about their magical Disney Land & Sea adventure — a stay at Walt Disney World followed by a cruise aboard the Disney Magic featuring a stop at Disney Cruise Line’s newest private destination, Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point. Dallas and Taylor share how this adults-only sailing came together as a …

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Dining Dos & Don'ts That SMART Cruisers Swear By (Podcast #468) 11:55

7d ago11:55

11:55

Cruise ships offer many dining options, but I see many cruisers making common cruise dining mistakes that prevent them from having the best experience. I'm going to share my cruise tips and cruise dining tips to help you avoid these pitfalls and enjoy the cruise food to its fullest. These cruise tips for travellers will help you navigate cruise shi…

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Ep. 579 - Live Bonus Show - Pasta, Piazzas & Pixie Dust: Tracy's Adventures by Disney Italy Recap 1:25:25

7d ago1:25:25

1:25:25

On this episode of the DCL Duo Podcast, we’re joined by our friend Tracy, who just returned from an Adventures by Disney trip through Italy with her husband Michael. From Rome to Tuscany and points in between, Tracy shares her experiences exploring Italy Disney-style. She takes us through the highlights, the food, the must-see sights, and what make…

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Immediate Post Pearl Harbor America with Rich Frank Part 2 - Episode 522 57:07

15d ago57:07

57:07

This week Seth Paridon and Jon Parshall welcome back their mutual good friend, Rich Frank to talk about the after-effects of the Pearl Harbor attack here in the United States.The guys get into the fountains of rumors that sprang up from coast to coast telling of Japanese aircraft carriers in the Panama Cana Zone to Japanese paratroopers landing on …

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Ep. 578 - Rush Out, Gush Out, Freak Out: Disney Fantasy Cruise with Kids 1:22:07

10d ago1:22:07

1:22:07

Alicia joins us to share her family’s experience on a 4-night Disney Fantasy cruise with stops in Nassau and Disney Cruise Line’s new private island, Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point. Sailing with first-time cruisers, Alicia gives us an inside look at planning with kids, coordinating tastings like champagne and tequila, handling the Oceaneer Club’s …

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I've Cruised Europe’s Rivers 12 Times. Here’s What Nobody Warns You About (Podcast #467) 15:06

14d ago15:06

15:06

I've cruised on European rivers 12 times and I am just back from a Rhine River cruise on Avalon Waterways. Once again, I met so many people who spoke about surprising and frustrating things they'd only encountered and realised once they were on the cruise because none of the lines, reviews, or commentators seem willing to talk about them frankly, o…

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Ep. 577 - Live Bonus Show - Which Disney Ship Should You Choose: Wish vs. Wonder? 1:15:59

18d ago1:15:59

1:15:59

We’re welcoming back our friend Sean for a showdown of two Disney Cruise Line favorites — the Disney Wish vs. the Disney Wonder. We’re comparing the ships, their unique features, and also tackling the ultimate cruise debate: is cold-weather cruising to Alaska better than warm-weather sailing to the Bahamas or Caribbean? Whether you’re planning your…

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Immediate Post Pearl Harbor America with Rich Frank Part 1 - Episode 521 1:00:45

22d ago1:00:45

1:00:45

This week Seth Paridon and Jon Parshall welcome back their good buddy historian Rich Frank to the show to talk about immediate post Pearl Harbor America. In the days and weeks after Japan's successful attack on Pearl Harbor and Oahu, the United States found itself in a strange new world. The news hit both FDR and the populace like a thunderbolt cau…

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Ep. 576 - Castaway Cay vs Lookout Cay: Which Island Stole the Show for First-Timer Alex? 1:24:50

17d ago1:24:50

1:24:50

Alex joins us to share his family’s first-ever Disney Cruise Line experience aboard the Disney Dream. Sailing out of Fort Lauderdale, Alex’s itinerary included stops at Castaway Cay, Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point, and Nassau. From embarkation day excitement and snagging those hard-to-get Remy and Palo brunch reservations, to watching his kids thr…

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Ep. 575 - Live Bonus Show - Girls Just Wanna Cruise Fun: Adults-Only Disney Wish Escape! 59:49

22d ago59:49

59:49

We’re joined by friends of the show Kelly and Charity to recap their recent adults-only girls’ getaway aboard the Disney Wish. From dining and drinks to entertainment, relaxation, and all the ways they made this sailing a dream escape without kids in tow, they share their experiences of cruising Disney in a different way. Listen now and join the co…

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Marshall Islands Raid, Butch O'Hare Medal of Honor, and Coral Sea Archival Footage-Episode 520 1:19:05

29d ago1:19:05

1:19:05

This week Seth Paridon and Jon Parshall take a dive into the archival footage world of the US National Archives and look at imagery from the Marshall Islands Raid of February 1, 1942. After looking through selected shots, the guys dig into previously unrecognized archival footage of Edward "Butch" O'Hare's Medal of Honor action. The footage was sho…

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Ep. 574 - First Impressions: Disney Fantasy + Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point 1:23:42

23d ago1:23:42

1:23:42

Megan joins us to share her first-ever Disney Cruise Line experience aboard the Disney Fantasy. Her family sailed a 5-night itinerary with stops at Castaway Cay, Nassau, and Disney’s newest private island, Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point. In this episode, Megan compares Disney Cruise Line to Royal Caribbean, talks about booking last-minute, navigat…

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Ep. 573 - Live Bonus Show - Ashley’s Disney Fantasy European Adventure: Hits, Misses & Must-Dos 1:16:43

27d ago1:16:43

1:16:43

We were live with Ashley to talk about her recent European sailing aboard the Disney Fantasy. From favorite ports to must-try excursions, onboard dining, and sea day fun, we’re covering it all. If you’ve ever dreamed of cruising Europe with Disney Cruise Line, this episode will give you insights, tips, and first-hand experiences to help you plan yo…

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The Canyon Spirit: A Luxurious Southwest Train Journey 29:37

1M ago29:37

29:37

In this episode of Big Blend Radio's "Quiltripping Travel with Rose" Podcast, travel writer and photographer Rose Palmer takes you on a luxurious journey aboard the Canyon Spirit train. This unique experience, a rebranding of the Rocky Mountaineer for its U.S. routes, offers a chance to explore the American West in style. Rose shares insights on th…

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How To Cruise Like A VIP Without A "First Class" Price Tag (Podcast #466) 11:41

28d ago11:41

11:41

Want to cruise like a VIP without paying “First Class” suite prices? In this podcast, I reveal 6 insider tricks that will let you enjoy luxury perks - all without breaking your budget. These are the same strategies I use to get a champagne cruise lifestyle on a beer budget. Whether you’re a first-time cruiser or a seasoned traveller, these tips wil…

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Attack on Pearl Harbor: The Second Wave - Episode 519 1:46:41

1M ago1:46:41

1:46:41

This week Seth Paridon and Jon Parshall wrap up the Japanese attack on Oahu with the second wave. As the first wave of Japanese attackers winged off and away from Oahu, the second wave followed them into the area just a short 15 minutes later. Seth and Jon get into the weeds of the second wave discussing the vast differences between the two assault…

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Ep. 572 - Concierge Dreams & Haunted Screams: Whitney’s Adults-Only Disney Treasure Cruise 1:16:03

1M ago1:16:03

1:16:03

Whitney joins Sam for her first-ever Disney Cruise Line sailing — and she went all in on Concierge aboard the Disney Treasure. From the Haunted Mansion Parlor to concierge lounges, dining highlights, and the constant debate of “is it worth it?”, Whitney gives us the full scoop on what makes Concierge special and how it compares to luxury experience…

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Ep. 571 - Live Bonus Show - Glaciers, Gold & Grizzlies: Our Alaska Adventure on the Disney Wonder 1:28:35

1M ago1:28:35

1:28:35

We’re back with the replay of our recent live show where we shared all the highlights from our Disney Cruise Line adventure to Alaska aboard the Disney Wonder. We sailed Concierge in the Roy Disney Suite and spent the week exploring some of the most breathtaking excursions Alaska has to offer. In this episode, we cover: • Glacier Day with incredibl…

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I Put The Highest Rated European River Cruise Line To The Test (podcast #465) 17:03

1M ago17:03

17:03

After a five-year break, I returned to river cruising in Europe to see how the experience compared to my past trips. I chose the European River Cruise line with the highest ratings by recent passengers and boarded with high expectations. This video shares my thoughts on what they did both well and less well, and if I felt they deserve the ratings t…

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Attack on Pearl Harbor: The First Wave Part 2 - Episode 518 1:04:03

1M ago1:04:03

1:04:03

This week Seth Paridon and Jon Parshall wrap up the First Wave of the attack on Pearl Harbor by covering what happens to USS California, USS Arizona, and other ships in the anchorage before they move inland. The guys get into the attacks on Hickam Field and tell the story of the inbound flight of B-17s coming in from the mainland. Flying into a war…

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Ep. 570 - Forky Goes to Europe: Vicky’s Disney Fantasy European Cruise Adventure 1:20:17

1M ago1:20:17

1:20:17

Vicky joins us to share her family’s incredible 7-night Disney Fantasy European cruise. Sailing out of Barcelona, this Italy-heavy itinerary included Palermo, Naples (with a visit to Pompeii), Florence, and Rome—plus pre- and post-cruise days in Barcelona and Paris. Vicky talks through the planning process, excursions, food highlights (think gelato…

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6 Things River Cruises Do Better Than Ocean. And 3 They Don't! (podcast #464) 15:16

2M ago15:16

15:16

Their fans paint river cruising as an idyllic, perfectly paced and immersive way to travel, but few talk about what you lose by choosing one. Having done 12 European river cruises and over 100 ocean ones, I've found the differences are bigger than most people think or expect. Some things river cruises absolutely do way better than ocean ships. But …

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Ep. 569 - Amsterdam to Anaheim (and the Wonder): Jason’s West Coast Disney Adventure 1:19:43

1M ago1:19:43

1:19:43

Jason and his family flew all the way from Amsterdam to combine a U.S. vacation with a 3-night Disney Wonder sailing out of San Diego. After starting with time at Disneyland, they boarded the Wonder for their second Disney Cruise Line experience. In this episode, Jason shares what it was like cruising “on the other side” after his first Concierge-l…

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Attack on Pearl Harbor: The First Wave Part 1 - Episode 517 1:14:54

2M ago1:14:54

1:14:54

This week Seth Paridon and Jon Parshall finally get to the meat of the Pearl Harbor series with Part 1 of our discussion of the First Wave. We get into the nuts and bolts of 1st Air Fleet's run towards Pearl Harbor, the launch sequence, the attack plan and the flight into Oahu in great detail, giving way to conversations about William Outerbridge a…

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Ep. 568 - Sara’s Transatlantic Sailing: Food Allergies, Special Needs and Magic 1:16:20

2M ago1:16:20

1:16:20

This week we’re joined by Sara to talk about her family’s Transatlantic sailing aboard the Disney Fantasy. Sarah and her husband brought along their four kids, including their son with Down syndrome, and her mom for support. She shares how Disney Cruise Line accommodates families with special needs, tips for handling food allergies on board, and ho…

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Ep. 567 - Live Bonus Show - Breaking Down Disney’s Fall 2026–Spring 2027 Cruise Itineraries 52:04

2M ago52:04

52:04

Disney Cruise Line has officially released its Fall 2026–Spring 2027 itineraries, and we’re going live to share our reactions and break it all down. Which ships are headed to the Caribbean, the Bahamas, Europe, or beyond? Will we see more sailings to Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point or Castaway Cay? We’ll discuss the details, surprises, and what the…

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Ep. 566 - Live Bonus Show - How Bright Does Royal’s Star Shine: Previewing the Star of the Seas with Karen and Kaley 1:31:18

2M ago1:31:18

1:31:18

Karen and Kaley from My Path Unwinding Travel are back to share their thoughts on Royal Caribbean’s brand-new mega-ship, the Star of the Seas. Recorded just after their exclusive preview sailing, they’re giving us a full breakdown—from first impressions to food, entertainment, venues, standout features, and how this ship compares to Disney Cruise L…

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Don’t Pick The Wrong "Premium" Cruise Line! Here’s What You Need To Know (Podcast #463) 18:22

2M ago18:22

18:22

I've recently revisited and cruised on all five of what the industry calls “Premium” cruise lines, as I keep getting asked which is the best these days as so many cruisers are confused by all the recent changes in the fleets, new on-board offerings, tweaks to inclusions and exclusions, and the seeming push by all to attract a different passenger ty…

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Ep. 565 - From Disney to Seabourn: Craig’s Luxury Cruise Glow-Up 1:06:40

2M ago1:06:40

1:06:40

Craig joins us on the DCL Duo Podcast to share his very first Seabourn sailing through the Mediterranean. From Barcelona to Corsica, Craig and his partner experienced the luxury of small-ship cruising on the Seabourn Sojourn: Spacious veranda suites and personalized service (yes, even a soap menu ) All-inclusive dining and drinks, plus caviar servi…

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Prepping for Pearl Harbor: American Defenses - Episode 516 1:39:50

2M ago1:39:50

1:39:50

This week Seth Paridon and Jon Parshall take a look at the American preparations, or lack thereof, for an attack on Pearl Harbor. The guys take a dig into Admiral Husband Kimmel and General Walter Short by looking at their personalities, history, leadership and, above all, steps for an eventual war with Japan and how to deal with it. Diving into th…

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Ep. 564 - Live Bonus Show - She Floats: A Sneak Peek at the Disney Destiny 1:11:24

2M ago1:11:24

1:11:24

Stephanie from WDW Magazine joins us to spill all the details from her recent trip to Papenburg, Germany, where she got a front-row seat to the float out of Disney Cruise Line’s newest ship — the Disney Destiny. Stephanie also got a sneak peek onboard and attended the steel cutting ceremony for DCL’s fourth Wish-class ship, scheduled to set sail in…

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Ep. 563 - Voyager Minnie and Enchanté: Caroline's Eastern Caribbean Sailing on the Disney Treasure 1:17:25

2M ago1:17:25

1:17:25

Caroline joins us to share her family’s first Disney Cruise Line sailing aboard the Disney Treasure. While she’s cruised before — including with Disney — this was her first time experiencing the Treasure, and she brought her husband, kids, and mom along for a multi-generational adventure. Sailing a 7-night Eastern Caribbean itinerary in May to cele…

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Exploring the Wild: Alaska and Yukon Road Trip 36:58

2M ago36:58

36:58

Celebrate American Adventures Month and National Parks Month with this episode of Big Blend Radio’s "Quiltripping Travel with Rose" podcast! Travel writer and photographer Rose Palmer shares her epic three-week road trip through Alaska and the Yukon. From bear viewing at Brooks Falls in Katmai National Park to exploring the rugged beauty of Wrangel…

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7 Big Mistakes I See Too Many Mediterranean Cruisers Make! (podcast #462) 15:18

2M ago15:18

15:18

I am just back from a Mediterranean cruise on Sun Princess from Barcelona to Naples. As on all my cruises, I was delighted to chat to followers of my channel and new travellers I met, unfortunately not all of whom were having the perfect cruise. Why? Because too many had made mistakes that I have seen time and time again on the 25 Mediterranean cru…

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Japanese Planning for Pearl Harbor - Episode 515 1:27:54

2M ago1:27:54

1:27:54

This week Seth Paridon and Jon Parshall dig into the Japanese planning for the Pearl Harbor attack on December 7, 1941. The guys get into the brain behind the idea, that being Admiral Yamamoto Isoroku, and his first ideas for the plan in April 1940. The guys discuss the growth of the plan from idea to reality through 1940, into 1941, including dive…

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Ep. 562 - Live Bonus Show - Zero to Broadway Hero: A Sneak Peak at Hercules Rehearsals for the Disney Destiny 1:03:19

2M ago1:03:19

1:03:19

In this episode, we’re joined by Danny from WDW Magazine to talk about his exclusive sneak peek at Hercules: The Musical, the brand-new stage show debuting aboard the Disney Destiny in November 2025. Danny was invited to sit in on rehearsals in Toronto, and he’s sharing everything he saw, heard, and loved from this reimagined take on the 1997 Disne…

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Ep. 561 - Live Bonus Show - Greece’d Lightning: Chris Sails the Med on Disney Fantasy 1:12:29

2M ago1:12:29

1:12:29

Chris joins us to share highlights from his recent 12-night Mediterranean sailing aboard the Disney Fantasy. From the ruins of Rome to the cliffs of Santorini and the charm of the French Riviera, Chris gives us the full rundown on what it’s like to experience Europe with Disney Cruise Line. We’re diving into port adventures, food, shipboard life, a…

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Maya Sunshine - From First Flight to Forever Changed 1:04:10

2M ago1:04:10

1:04:10

Ask Adventulina Anything! This episode I’m joined by Maya Sunshine, an inspiring traveler I randomly met in a hostel in Alaska last year- and somehow we’ve stayed connected ever since! From military backpacks and hostel rooms to cultural exchange programs and the moment she caught the travel bug, Maya is all about saying yes to new horizons. We cha…

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I Tried the Fancy Sanctuary Collection on Sun Princess. Here’s What I Found! (Podcast #461) 15:08

2M ago15:08

15:08

I cruised on Sun Princess to experience snd test out the new Princess Cruises SANCTUARY COLLECTION. This video shares my thoughts on if the SANCTUARY SUITE , Sanctuary Club deck, Sanctuary Restaurant and other perks and benefits included in the fare to see if it was all worth it. Here's my verdict and thoughts Become a Tips For Travellers Patron: h…

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Ep. 560 - From Facebook Friends to Cabin Mates: Shelly’s First Disney Cruise 1:11:58

2M ago1:11:58

1:11:58

Shelly joins us to share her story of taking her very first Disney cruise—a 3-night sailing aboard the Disney Fantasy—with a group of friends she met through a DVC Facebook group. From her creative approach to managing motion sickness to her relaxing Castaway Cay beach day and unforgettable Palo brunch, Shelly recounts every magical moment. As a se…

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The Air War Over China 1937-40 with Justin Pyke - Episode 514 1:56:35

2M ago1:56:35

1:56:35

This week Seth Paridon and Jon Parshall welcome a new guest to talk about the air war over China. Justin Pyke joins us and delivers a masterful performance talking about an oft-forgotten aspect of the war in China. We always talk about nerding out--well here you go guys. We get into everything from the first deployment of the G3M, to the P-36 Hawk …

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I Tried the New Princess Megaship and Here’s What Happened! (Podcast 15:32

2M ago15:32

15:32

Princess Cruises have entered mega-ship cruising with the launch of their 4,300-passenger Sphere Class ships, Sun and Star Princess. Hearing it was totally different to their other ships, reading very divided reviews, and seeing many asking if Princess were abandoning loyal guests to attract a different type of passenger, I had to test it out for m…