The Joy of Cruising Podcast

Send us Fan Mail Hello, passionate cruisers! This is Paul. I am delighted to welcome this week on The Joy of Cruising Podcast, Tosh Junior and George Hodges, owners of GNT Travel Pros, a Dream Vacations franchise, where they work full-time as travel advisors. During their very busy stint as relatively new travel advisors—they went through TA training in the same class as Cheryl, Shornay, and me in late-2024—they took the time to celebrate George’s 70th birthday with a spectacular combination land and sea vacation so grand I had to invite my colleagues on The Joy of Cruising Podcast to talk about it. Tosh spent 30 years as a corporate IT executive, traveling the world for GE, Citrix, Atlassian, and McDonald's Corporation, among others. A Chicago native and University of Illinois graduate, he's called Fort Lauderdale home for the past 13 years. His credentials read like an operations manual — PMP, ITIL, ISO, Certified ScrumMaster, LEAN Six Sigma Black Belt, and an MBA — and he's since added a Certified Travel Advisor designation and ACC accreditation with CLIA. The through-line between the two careers is the same: complex logistics, handled so completely that the person on the receiving end never has to think about them. 30 years of leading teams also taught him the part no certification covers, which is that the job is service. George , Tosh’s partner, brings the other half of the equation. After 30 years in interior design and sales at Crate & Barrel, he retired with an eye for how a space is supposed to feel and a career's worth of practice reading what people want before they've said it out loud. They don't plan trips from a desk. In the past year alone, they've sailed more than 15 cruises across nearly every major line — Icon of the Seas, Celebrity Ascent and Apex, Norwegian Luna, Star Princess, MSC World America, Carnival Celebration, Virgin's Scarlet Lady, and an Azamara sailing through the Mediterranean, to name a few. On land, they've covered the map: London, Paris, Berlin, Amsterdam, Budapest, Madrid, Barcelona, Rome, Venice, Tuscany, and the Amalfi Coast in Europe; Tokyo, Seoul, Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, Delhi, and Dubai in Asia and the Gulf; Sydney, Rio, São Paulo, and much of Canada beyond that. That's the differentiator. When they recommend a ship, a port, a neighborhood, or a restaurant, it's because they've stood in it — whether the trip is budget or luxury, a couple or a full group. They have a particular soft spot for planning group travel, but they'll book anything, large or small. Do you have a dream car? Support the show Support thejoyofcruisingpodcast https://www.buzzsprout.com/2113608/supporters/new Support Me https://www.buymeacoffee.com/drpaulth Contact Me https://www.thejoyofcruising.net/contact-me.html Book Cruises http://www.thejoyofvacation.com/ US Orders (coupon code joyofcruisingpodcast) The Joy of Cruising https://bit.ly/TheJoyOfCruising Cruising Interrupted https://bit.ly/CruisingInterrupted The Joy of Cruising Again https://bit.ly/TheJoyOfCruisingAgain Intl Orders via Amazon

Send us Fan Mail Hello, passionate cruisers! This is Paul. I am delighted to welcome this week on The Joy of Cruising Podcast, Karyn Clay founder of Yes! You Can Travel. Karen is located in Hawaii—which Cheryl and I were blessed to visit a couple of years ago. Every time she greets me via email with “Aloha” and closes with “Mahalo” it momentarily brings me back! Karyn combines her passion for cruising with more than three decades of experience supporting older adults. Through professional travel companionship, she helps travelers who may need a little extra support continue exploring the world and enjoying meaningful journeys. Karyn is passionate about helping people recognize that getting older does not have to mean leaving their love of travel behind. She believes that with understanding, thoughtful support, and the right companion alongside them, more people can continue experiencing the joy and freedom of travel. A passionate cruiser herself, Karyn also loves hearing people's stories and learning about the experiences that have shaped their lives. For her, cruising is about the discovery, connection, and possibility that comes when we continue to say “Yes!” to life. Do you have a dream car? Support the show Support thejoyofcruisingpodcast https://www.buzzsprout.com/2113608/supporters/new Support Me https://www.buymeacoffee.com/drpaulth Contact Me https://www.thejoyofcruising.net/contact-me.html Book Cruises http://www.thejoyofvacation.com/ US Orders (coupon code joyofcruisingpodcast) The Joy of Cruising https://bit.ly/TheJoyOfCruising Cruising Interrupted https://bit.ly/CruisingInterrupted The Joy of Cruising Again https://bit.ly/TheJoyOfCruisingAgain Intl Orders via Amazon

Send us Fan Mail Hello, passionate cruisers! This is Paul and this week on The Joy of Cruising Podcast , I am delighted to welcome back Shelton and Ke' creators of the YouTube channel, Your Favorite Couple . I first met Shelton and Ke' doing what I do much of my retired-life time—watching YouTube videos about sports, politics, and my passion, cruising. And where I occasionally discover The Joy of Cruising Podcast guests. I enjoyed Shelton and Ke's fun, informative video style and their diverse choices in terms of cruising, so I thought they would be great guests to share their thoughts on the world’s largest ship, Royal Caribbean Star of the Seas . I have had guests on to talk about Star of the Seas but now I have a newfound interest in Star . Plus, it has been well over a year since they have been on, and knowing Shelton and Ke' , there is a lot of cruising to catch up to Cheryl and I thought we were done cruising for’ 26 as we are focusing on the group trip that our travel agency, The Joy of Vacation by Dream Vacations is leading to Africa in the Spring. But you can’t keep a passionate cruiser down. So, recently Cheryl and I made a snap decision to go, and take our other partner of the travel agency, my daughter Shornay, to the Dream Vacations annual conference to be held on Star of the Seas in November. After viewing their great trip report on Star , I thought what a great opportunity to catch up . Find Your Favorite Couple online YouTube: https://youtube.com/@yourfavoritecouple?si=iBCfUghiKMe5Moc3 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@yfc.ke.shelton?_t=ZT-8vHeTzJfGxO&_r=1 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yfc_ke_shelton?igsh=MWkzMzFsdDM3cnNicQ== Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1PBVygENSo/ Email: yourfavoritecouple11@gmail.com Do you have a dream car? Support the show Support thejoyofcruisingpodcast https://www.buzzsprout.com/2113608/supporters/new Support Me https://www.buymeacoffee.com/drpaulth Contact Me https://www.thejoyofcruising.net/contact-me.html Book Cruises http://www.thejoyofvacation.com/ US Orders (coupon code joyofcruisingpodcast) The Joy of Cruising https://bit.ly/TheJoyOfCruising Cruising Interrupted https://bit.ly/CruisingInterrupted The Joy of Cruising Again https://bit.ly/TheJoyOfCruisingAgain Intl Orders via Amazon

Send us Fan Mail Hello, passionate cruisers! This is Paul. I am delighted to welcome this week on The Joy of Cruising Podcast, Stacey Parks, the co-creator and producer of an amazing new television series that passionate cruisers like me and the listener won’t be able to get enough of. " Grand Voyages " is a cruise-focused documentary series now streaming on Amazon Prime in the U.S. and UK. Stacey has over 20 years’ experience producing more than a dozen feature films and series which have gone on to be distributed across every major streaming platform. In the travel genre specifically, she previously co-created and produced the digital series “ The Upgrade ” for Bravo’s digital platform. Stacey founded Media Sparks Studios to focus on digital-first storytelling across the streaming and connected TV universe. In her spare time, she enjoys travel and cruising, having visited over 60 countries and enjoyed life on board over 35 ocean, river and expedition cruises. Do you have a dream car? Support the show Support thejoyofcruisingpodcast https://www.buzzsprout.com/2113608/supporters/new Support Me https://www.buymeacoffee.com/drpaulth Contact Me https://www.thejoyofcruising.net/contact-me.html Book Cruises http://www.thejoyofvacation.com/ US Orders (coupon code joyofcruisingpodcast) The Joy of Cruising https://bit.ly/TheJoyOfCruising Cruising Interrupted https://bit.ly/CruisingInterrupted The Joy of Cruising Again https://bit.ly/TheJoyOfCruisingAgain Intl Orders via Amazon

Send us Fan Mail Hello, passionate cruisers! This is Paul and this week on The Joy of Cruising Podcast ; I am delighted to welcome Scott Fleming , President of Aon Affinity Travel Practice . Scott and his team work closely with major cruise lines to help design travel protection programs for today’s travelers. Given The Joy of Cruising Podcast audience’s passion for cruising, Scott can offer a helpful, practical perspective on what cruisers should know about helping protect their trip before they set sail. Scott Fleming is president of Aon Affinity’s Travel Practice , where he leads customized travel protection programs for some of the world’s most recognized travel companies. With more than 17 years of experience in the travel insurance industry, Scott has built a reputation for strengthening partnerships, guiding product strategy and driving growth across the industry. I will ask Scott to address: · Common disruptions that can impact cruises, including delays, missed connections, medical issues and trip interruptions · Common questions travelers should ask about protecting their trips · Why demand is increasing for travel insurance benefits like emergency evacuation and supplemental medical coverage · How to compare travel protection policies · What first-time and seasoned cruisers often misunderstand about travel protection Scott brings an approachable perspective that can help listeners feel more informed and prepared before their next sailing. Do you have a dream car? Support the show Support thejoyofcruisingpodcast https://www.buzzsprout.com/2113608/supporters/new Support Me https://www.buymeacoffee.com/drpaulth Contact Me https://www.thejoyofcruising.net/contact-me.html Book Cruises http://www.thejoyofvacation.com/ US Orders (coupon code joyofcruisingpodcast) The Joy of Cruising https://bit.ly/TheJoyOfCruising Cruising Interrupted https://bit.ly/CruisingInterrupted The Joy of Cruising Again https://bit.ly/TheJoyOfCruisingAgain Intl Orders via Amazon

Send us Fan Mail Hello, passionate cruisers! This is Paul. I am delighted to welcome this week on The Joy of Cruising Podcast, NyasiaMonroe, a Richmond, Virginia–based—hey homegirl—singer, songwriter, and entertainer known for her powerhouse vocals, captivating stage presence, and versatility across multiple genres. A three-time Stellar Award–nominated recording artist, she has built a career that spans gospel, R&B, musical theatre, and live entertainment. Nyasia is a graduate of New York City's American Musical and Dramatic Academy (AMDA) with a concentration in Musical Theatre. She has performed in productions of Hairspray: The Musical and Dreamgirls: The Musical . Nyasia currently serves as a Lead Vocalist with The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, delivering world-class entertainment for international audiences aboard one of the world's most prestigious luxury hospitality brands. Alongside her live performances, she recently released her latest R&B single, " Love." With her exceptional artistry, professionalism, and ability to connect with audiences, Nyasia continues to establish herself as a premier entertainer on stages around the world . Do you have a dream car? Support the show Support thejoyofcruisingpodcast https://www.buzzsprout.com/2113608/supporters/new Support Me https://www.buymeacoffee.com/drpaulth Contact Me https://www.thejoyofcruising.net/contact-me.html Book Cruises http://www.thejoyofvacation.com/ US Orders (coupon code joyofcruisingpodcast) The Joy of Cruising https://bit.ly/TheJoyOfCruising Cruising Interrupted https://bit.ly/CruisingInterrupted The Joy of Cruising Again https://bit.ly/TheJoyOfCruisingAgain Intl Orders via Amazon

Send us Fan Mail Hello, passionate cruisers! This is Paul. I am delighted to welcome this week on The Joy of Cruising Podcast, Michele Edington, Certified Sommelier, Wine Writer , and Founder , Cruising With Wine. Michele told me, “I created Cruising With Wine with my dad recently as a stop-by-stop wine guide for European river cruises. It helps travelers understand what to drink in each destination before they arrive, including local wines to try, grapes and wine terms to look for, food pairings, bottles worth bringing home, and wine experiences near the port. The idea came from him booking a river cruise with my mom and noticing that river cruises pass through some of the most exciting wine regions in Europe, but most people still step off the ship without much practical guidance on what to order, what to look for, or what makes that stop special from a wine perspective.” Michele worked in wine and hospitality for more than a decade, is a certified sommelier, and has spent years helping people feel more confident about wine in a real-world, approachable way. Cruising With Wine is her way of bringing that same kind of guidance to river cruisers. Michele has written a few books about wine and you can see her collection of odd things—books, blog, sustainability, food culture, and much more—at her personal website michelegargiulo.com . Use code PODCAST20 for 20% off Cruising With Wine at https://cruisingwithwine.com/ Do you have a dream car? Support the show Support thejoyofcruisingpodcast https://www.buzzsprout.com/2113608/supporters/new Support Me https://www.buymeacoffee.com/drpaulth Contact Me https://www.thejoyofcruising.net/contact-me.html Book Cruises http://www.thejoyofvacation.com/ US Orders (coupon code joyofcruisingpodcast) The Joy of Cruising https://bit.ly/TheJoyOfCruising Cruising Interrupted https://bit.ly/CruisingInterrupted The Joy of Cruising Again https://bit.ly/TheJoyOfCruisingAgain Intl Orders via Amazon

Send us Fan Mail Hello, passionate cruisers! This is Paul. I am delighted to welcome this week on The Joy of Cruising Podcast, Comedian Kevin Jordan. Listeners know I am passionate about music and stand-up comedy. So, when I get an opportunity to host a top stand-up who performs on cruise ships, I jump at it and am so pleased to have a conversation with Kevin . Kevin Jordan is an award-winning screenwriter, comedian, producer, and former LAPD police officer. For more than 35 years, he has headlined comedy clubs, casinos, cruise ships, and military bases around the world, with television appearances on The Today Show , Comedy Central , Showtime at the Apollo , MTV , and VH1 . His comedy special, Cause I Said So! , is available on Amazon Prime. As a screenwriter, Kevin has earned multiple screenplay awards for projects including Sled Race and Old Patrol , blending humor, heart, and authentic storytelling. Through DemjerdenBoyz Productions , he continues to develop family-friendly and character-driven films that celebrate nostalgia, resilience, and the power of laughter. Do you have a dream car? Support the show Support thejoyofcruisingpodcast https://www.buzzsprout.com/2113608/supporters/new Support Me https://www.buymeacoffee.com/drpaulth Contact Me https://www.thejoyofcruising.net/contact-me.html Book Cruises http://www.thejoyofvacation.com/ US Orders (coupon code joyofcruisingpodcast) The Joy of Cruising https://bit.ly/TheJoyOfCruising Cruising Interrupted https://bit.ly/CruisingInterrupted The Joy of Cruising Again https://bit.ly/TheJoyOfCruisingAgain Intl Orders via Amazon

Send us Fan Mail Hello, passionate cruisers! This is Paul and this week on The Joy of Cruising Podcast ; I am delighted to welcome Deanne Moses-Wright , Founder, Wheelie on The Waves , an accessible travel and cruise consulting brand. Deanne Moses-Wright is an accessibility-focused cruise and travel specialist, disability advocate, and founder of Wheelie on the Waves , one of the UK’s leading platforms dedicated to accessible cruising. Her journey began long before she entered the travel industry. At the age of 11, Deanne was diagnosed with scoliosis and spent much of her teenage years wearing a full body brace before undergoing major corrective surgery at 19. The operation resulted in severe complications and was almost fatal. Today, she lives with multiple health conditions and primarily uses a powerchair, although she also uses crutches when able. Despite the challenges she has faced, Deanne has never allowed disability to define her ambitions. Her love of cruising began 26 years ago when she joined her parents on a cruise to celebrate their 30th wedding anniversary while pregnant with her first child. The ship was small, and at the time she had no idea that cruising would later become such a significant part of her life. After a long break from cruising, she returned to sea in 2017 and quickly discovered the freedom and independence that cruise travel could offer disabled travelers when done correctly. Since then, she has completed more than 20 cruises, spent over 160 days at sea, and has several more voyages booked over the coming months. Wanting to share her experiences and help others travel with confidence, Deanne created Wheelie on the Waves . What began as a platform documenting her own adventures has grown into a trusted source of information for disabled travelers seeking honest, practical advice about accessible cruising. Following changes to accessibility policies within the cruise industry, Deanne became increasingly aware that many disabled guests were not being booked correctly and, in some cases, were being denied travel at the point of embarkation. Determined to help, she became a travel agent specializing in accessible cruise travel. Over the past two years, Deanne has built relationships with cruise lines and accessibility teams across the industry, collaborating to improve understanding of disabled travelers’ needs while providing independent guidance to the disability community. Her work helps people make informed decisions about which ships, cabins, and itineraries are genuinely suitable for their individual requirements. She has since helped hundreds of people plan and book their own cruise adventures, arranging every aspect of their journey to ensure a safe, enjoyable, and stress-free experience. Deanne’s expertise and advocacy have led to appearances in travel publications, television travel program, industry panels, and award ceremonies. She has been recognized as a finalist in both accessibility and travel awards and has become a respected voice within the accessible travel sector. In September, Deanne will host her own event, The Accessible Cruise Show , bringing together cruise lines, industry professionals, and travelers. The show will provide attendees with the opportunity to speak directly with cruise operators, ask questions, and take part in live Q&A panels focused on making cruise travel more accessible for everyone. Through Wheelie on the Waves , Deanne continues to champion the belief that everyone deserves the opportunity to explore the world with confidence, dignity, and independence. Do you have a dream car? Support the show Support thejoyofcruisingpodcast https://www.buzzsprout.com/2113608/supporters/new Support Me https://www.buymeacoffee.com/drpaulth Contact Me https://www.thejoyofcruising.net/contact-me.html Book Cruises http://www.thejoyofvacation.com/ US Orders (coupon code joyofcruisingpodcast) The Joy of Cruising https://bit.ly/TheJoyOfCruising Cruising Interrupted https://bit.ly/CruisingInterrupted The Joy of Cruising Again https://bit.ly/TheJoyOfCruisingAgain Intl Orders via Amazon

Send us Fan Mail Hello, passionate cruisers! This is Paul. I am delighted to welcome this week on The Joy of Cruising Podcast, Comedian Jeff Nease. Listeners know that in addition to my passion for cruising, I am passionate about music and stand-up comedy. Accordingly, on The Joy of Cruising Podcast I love hosting performers from cruise ships, and Jeff has headlined on virtually every major cruise line, so I am excited to have a conversation with him. ‘Hilarious!’ (Entertainment Today Magazine), “A high energy performer able to generate BIG laughs!” (Las Vegas Review Journal) and The Detroit Free Press simply declares “Jeff Nease makes us laugh!” . Observational, Conversational and often, Standing Ovational, Jeff Nease is there whenever ‘You Need Funny!’ Jeff began his career in 1987. The performing ‘bug’ bit while studying film and theater at the University of Toledo. Propelled by his love of the comedy albums of George Carlin, Steve Martin, Bill Cosby and Bob Newhart, it wasn’t long before he found himself stepping on the stage of the local comedy venue ‘The Toledo Comedy Club’. He began to hone his craft anywhere he could find an audience: nightclubs, rock bars, colleges and lounges in and around his hometown in Northwest Ohio and Detroit, Michigan. Jeff applied his theater training as a founding member of the improvisational group ‘The Improvables’. This experience helped form the spontaneous element his show is known for. Jeff soon began touring comedy clubs and theaters in both the United States and Canada. New York to L.A., Vancouver to Nova Scotia. He became a finalist in the National Lampoon Laugh-Off, was seen on Television (A&E, PBS and Comedy Central) and opened up concerts for musical icons The Temptations and jazz great Najee. He also opened up for comedy stars Jim Carrey, Tim Allen and Ellen DeGeneres. Jeff also ventured out to sea. Today Jeff is currently one of the most sought-after comedians for the world’s most popular cruise lines such as Royal Caribbean. He has performed around the world on vessels for Azamara, Celebrity Cruises, Cunard, Crystal Cruises, Holland America, Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania Cruise Line, Regent Cruise Line, among others. Las Vegas became home for 14 years. Jeff performed at such iconic venues as The Riviera, MGM Grand, Tropicana, the Stardust, Rio and more. In addition to his nightclub work, Jeff performed for many of the various conventions and special events such as NAB (National Association of Broadcasters), COMDEX and CES (The Consumer Electronics Show). His corporate clients include Allstate, Taco Bell, The Royal Bank of Canada, USANA and Cannon. He is exceptionally proud to be accepted on the roster of performers for the USO. Today Jeff tours continually around the world. His greatest pride come from his three sons Jeffrey Jr., Patrick and Theodore. Do you have a dream car? Support the show Support thejoyofcruisingpodcast https://www.buzzsprout.com/2113608/supporters/new Support Me https://www.buymeacoffee.com/drpaulth Contact Me https://www.thejoyofcruising.net/contact-me.html Book Cruises http://www.thejoyofvacation.com/ US Orders (coupon code joyofcruisingpodcast) The Joy of Cruising https://bit.ly/TheJoyOfCruising Cruising Interrupted https://bit.ly/CruisingInterrupted The Joy of Cruising Again https://bit.ly/TheJoyOfCruisingAgain Intl Orders via Amazon

Send us Fan Mail Hello, passionate cruisers! This is Paul and this week on The Joy of Cruising Podcast ; I am delighted to welcome Mike Jirout. Mike is one of those entrepreneurs who transcend consumer cruising history. Along with his brother he created Ship Mate, which I’m sure many of us remember: the first mobile app for the cruise industry in 2009 when Apple first opened up its infrastructure for third-party developers. They grew Ship Mate to millions of downloads before selling it. Then Mike virtually invented the "cruise accessories" market with, Cruise On , a line of 100+ products (lanyards, luggage tags, cruise power strips, hanging organizers, etc.) and sold millions of items before selling that business in 2023. The brand remains the leading cruise accessories line. Though Ship Mate and Cruise On have been sold Mike continues to innovate. He told me, “We're currently growing our consumer-facing cruise platform Gangwaze (Gangwaze.com) offering detailed cruise port and ship data down to the individual cabin level. We also have some business-to-business offerings, like custom made, vectorized deck plans—the hope is to make it as easy to filter/book a cabin as it is a seat on a flight. We also offer cruise agent products like a " Cruise Quote " tool for providing client quotes and a " Cruise Kit " for all post-booking info. At CruiseKeeps.com we customize cruise keepsakes (mugs, puzzles, canvas prints, etc.) with your ship itinerary map, port list, ship, sail date, etc. We have the Cruise Deals App , a mobile app for easily finding and booking cruises. We are currently launching the Cruise Quest Mobile App . It's a fun way to gamify your cruise experience with Bar Bingo and other fun games. I've built these with my brother, brother-in-law, and cousin as co-founders. Our family's love of cruising started with annual family reunion-cruises, where 50+ of us would get on a ship with our fluorescent t-shirts, numbered by age. It was our favorite way to reunite. Do you have a dream car? Support the show Support thejoyofcruisingpodcast https://www.buzzsprout.com/2113608/supporters/new Support Me https://www.buymeacoffee.com/drpaulth Contact Me https://www.thejoyofcruising.net/contact-me.html Book Cruises http://www.thejoyofvacation.com/ US Orders (coupon code joyofcruisingpodcast) The Joy of Cruising https://bit.ly/TheJoyOfCruising Cruising Interrupted https://bit.ly/CruisingInterrupted The Joy of Cruising Again https://bit.ly/TheJoyOfCruisingAgain Intl Orders via Amazon

Send us Fan Mail Hello, passionate cruisers! This is Paul and this week on The Joy of Cruising Podcast ; I am delighted to welcome Jeff Cuellar , Chief Executive Officer, Sixthman, which offers Music Festival Experiences at Sea. I love all my guests, but Jeff is a particularly coveted one because as many of you know, I love theme cruises and thinks ever regular cruiser should put one on their bucket list. Those of you who read The Joy of Cruising know I have long been enamored of theme cruises and in that book wrote an entire section on theme cruising. I featured a number of examples of theme cruises and tried to include Sixthman given their importance in theme cruising. It was not to be, but today I am excited and grateful to present its CEO. Jeff Cuellar has over 20 years of experience in the entertainment business space, and he offers a unique perspective on the industry–both on land and sea. Jeff assumed the role of CEO of Sixthman in early 2024 and was recently named a Pollstar Impact 50 Honoree for his combined skills of leadership, entertainment and cruise line hospitality. Jeff spearheads Sixthman's creativity with events such as the Chefs Making Waves cruise occurring this November, with Food Network Chefs Bobby Flay, Scott Conant, Ayesha Nurdjaja and more on board. Check out Sixthman’s upcoming events here: http://www.sixthman.net/festivals Do you have a dream car? Support the show Support thejoyofcruisingpodcast https://www.buzzsprout.com/2113608/supporters/new Support Me https://www.buymeacoffee.com/drpaulth Contact Me https://www.thejoyofcruising.net/contact-me.html Book Cruises http://www.thejoyofvacation.com/ US Orders (coupon code joyofcruisingpodcast) The Joy of Cruising https://bit.ly/TheJoyOfCruising Cruising Interrupted https://bit.ly/CruisingInterrupted The Joy of Cruising Again https://bit.ly/TheJoyOfCruisingAgain Intl Orders via Amazon

Send us Fan Mail Hello, passionate cruisers! This is Paul and this week on The Joy of Cruising Podcast ; I am honored to welcome Filippos Venetopoulos , Chief Executive Officer, Variety Cruises. Variety has been creating a better world at sea for over 75 years, offering travelers the comforts and unique benefits of small ship cruising while exploring the true identity of a destination. Filippos Venetopoulos is the third-generation leader of Variety Cruises , one of the world's longest-standing small ship cruise companies, founded by his family in 1949. After graduating with distinction from New York University's Stern School of Business, Filippos gained international experience in banking, adventure cruising, and tourism before returning to Greece to join the family business. In 2021, during one of the most challenging periods in the history of global tourism, he assumed the role of Chief Executive Officer and embarked on a mission to reposition Variety Cruises for a new era of travel. Under his leadership, the company has strengthened its focus on authentic small-ship experiences, sustainability, cultural immersion, and meaningful connections between travelers and destinations. His vision extends beyond cruising itself: to demonstrate that tourism can be a force for positive change while creating memorable experiences for guests, employees, and local communities alike. Filippos serves as a Board Member of SETE (the Greek Tourism Confederation) and was elected President of the Hellenic Professional Yacht Owners Association (HPYOA) in 2026. He is an active advocate for the advancement of Greek tourism, maritime entrepreneurship, and sustainable travel practices. A passionate believer in lifelong learning, personal growth, and people-centered leadership, Filippos is known for combining entrepreneurial thinking with a strong commitment to culture, hospitality, and human connection. His guiding vision for Variety Cruises is simple yet ambitious: "To create a better world at sea." Filippos lives in Athens with his wife, Ersi, and their daughter. Today, Variety Cruises is the number one fleet of small ships, hosting around 50 guests on board each sailing, giving the company the ability to bring voyagers to smaller, less crowded ports around the globe. With sailings in Greece, Italy, Malta, the Adriatic Sea, West Africa, French Polynesia, the Seychelles and beyond, travelers can discover authentic local and Indigenous cultures, regional cuisine, ancient sites, remote villages and natural wonders only small ships can reach. Do you have a dream car? Support the show Support thejoyofcruisingpodcast https://www.buzzsprout.com/2113608/supporters/new Support Me https://www.buymeacoffee.com/drpaulth Contact Me https://www.thejoyofcruising.net/contact-me.html Book Cruises http://www.thejoyofvacation.com/ US Orders (coupon code joyofcruisingpodcast) The Joy of Cruising https://bit.ly/TheJoyOfCruising Cruising Interrupted https://bit.ly/CruisingInterrupted The Joy of Cruising Again https://bit.ly/TheJoyOfCruisingAgain Intl Orders via Amazon

Send us Fan Mail Hello, passionate cruisers! This is Paul and this week on The Joy of Cruising Podcast I am delighted to welcome Wayne and Charlotte Carter , first guests I have hosted who can share with guests all about Norwegian Cruise Lines new flagship, NCL Luna . They had a wonderful itinerary: Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic; St. Thomas, Virgin Islands; Tortola, British Virgin Islands; and, Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas, NCL’s private island. I have had guests on to talk about the previous ships in NCL’s boutique hotel-inspired Prima class—Prima, Viva, and Aqua—and even had house performers from Viva on the podcast, David & Stephanie: New Contract, Performing on the World’s Greatest New Ship, NCL Viva Episode 42 Luna is a brand new entrant to mainstream cruise ships, and I didn’t have to go far to find passionate cruisers who could introduce Luna to the cruising community; they were right in my own back yard! You see Wayne and Charlotte are neighbors in the community south of Richmond we moved into in November—some of you may recall me referencing our relocation. We knew them long before the move, as we’ll mention. It’s always good to welcome to The Joy of Cruising Podcast guest we know personally! Listeners, let’s get to know Wayne and Charlotte and hear about NCL Luna. Do you have a dream car? Support the show Support thejoyofcruisingpodcast https://www.buzzsprout.com/2113608/supporters/new Support Me https://www.buymeacoffee.com/drpaulth Contact Me https://www.thejoyofcruising.net/contact-me.html Book Cruises http://www.thejoyofvacation.com/ US Orders (coupon code joyofcruisingpodcast) The Joy of Cruising https://bit.ly/TheJoyOfCruising Cruising Interrupted https://bit.ly/CruisingInterrupted The Joy of Cruising Again https://bit.ly/TheJoyOfCruisingAgain Intl Orders via Amazon

Send us Fan Mail Hello, passionate cruisers! This is Paul and this week on The Joy of Cruising Podcast ; I am delighted to welcome Ralph DeFalco , a former U.S. Navy Captain turned cruise ship enrichment speaker, who brings a rare blend of global experience and storytelling to audiences at sea. As a Smithsonian Journeys Expert as well as a speaker with Ritz-Carlton, Ponant and Viking , DeFalco lectures on geopolitics, maritime history, and world affairs—often while sailing through the very regions he’s discussing. With five-decade career spanning five continents, including time on the Pentagon staff of the Director of Naval Intelligence, he offers travelers deeper context on the destinations they’re visiting, from strategic waterways to culturally rich ports. His government career also informs his novel, " The Counterfeit ," a geopolitical thriller imagining a fractured future shaped by global conflict. Listeners, let’s get to know Ralph DeFalco and hear about his life as a cruise ship speaker, how travel shapes our understanding of world events, and the stories behind the ports he’s explored. Do you have a dream car? Support the show Support thejoyofcruisingpodcast https://www.buzzsprout.com/2113608/supporters/new Support Me https://www.buymeacoffee.com/drpaulth Contact Me https://www.thejoyofcruising.net/contact-me.html Book Cruises http://www.thejoyofvacation.com/ US Orders (coupon code joyofcruisingpodcast) The Joy of Cruising https://bit.ly/TheJoyOfCruising Cruising Interrupted https://bit.ly/CruisingInterrupted The Joy of Cruising Again https://bit.ly/TheJoyOfCruisingAgain Intl Orders via Amazon

Send us Fan Mail Hello, passionate cruisers! This is Paul, and this week on The Joy of Cruising Podcast , I am excited to welcome Reign and Royce, the creators of Life of R and R . Reign and Royce are 10- and 8-year-old cruise and lifestyle content creators from Atlanta, Georgia. They've been cruising since they were just eight months old and have since traveled to 19 countries on 37 and 36 cruises — and they’re still going! They love hosting kids on their group cruises alongside their parents. When not at sea, Reign and Royce enjoy dancing, tennis, tumbling, and swimming. They're rising 5th and 4th graders who genuinely enjoy school, especially math and reading. These sisters believe kids should see the world early — experiencing different countries in person instead of just on TV. Traveling allows them to explore new cultures, try new foods, and see sights they'd never encounter at home. Their goal? Keep exploring the world together — visiting new countries and experiencing every kind of ship, cruise line, and cabin possible, and inspiring parents to take their kids on vacation. I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention that Reign and Royce’s parents are Rich and Jazzy, creators of the amazing A Rich and Jazzy Life brand — one of the most influential cruising brands in the world. But don’t think that Life of R and R is just some cute, novelty act — they are cute, yes, but they are anything but a novelty act. For those of us on social media, it’s likely that Life of R and R has a following that surpasses most of ours! Do you have a dream car? Support the show Support thejoyofcruisingpodcast https://www.buzzsprout.com/2113608/supporters/new Support Me https://www.buymeacoffee.com/drpaulth Contact Me https://www.thejoyofcruising.net/contact-me.html Book Cruises http://www.thejoyofvacation.com/ US Orders (coupon code joyofcruisingpodcast) The Joy of Cruising https://bit.ly/TheJoyOfCruising Cruising Interrupted https://bit.ly/CruisingInterrupted The Joy of Cruising Again https://bit.ly/TheJoyOfCruisingAgain Intl Orders via Amazon

Send us Fan Mail Hello, passionate cruisers! This is Paul and this week on The Joy of Cruising Podcast ; I am delighted to welcome Carra Miller , a maritime attorney. I have long wanted to bring to listeners a perspective of matters of law and passenger rights when it comes to cruising. I have been amazed at some of my findings regarding a cursory look at some those matters and I suspect, Carra will share some eye-opening information with you. Her visit is especially timely given the burgeoning Hantavirus crisis. With three passengers dead and 17 Americans among the nearly 150 people stranded off the coast of West Africa, the MV Hondius cruise ship Hantavirus outbreak raises urgent legal questions about what cruise operators owe their passengers when things go wrong at sea. Among other matters you should be aware of as a cruiser, Carra explains these passengers' rights and the duty the cruise ship operator owes them. Carra Miller is the founding attorney of Miller Smith, PLLC, a firm that represents cruise ship passengers, crew members, harbor workers, and others injured in maritime environments. Her practice centers on vessel incidents, injuries on navigable waters, and claims under the Jones Act, the Death on the High Seas Act, and other federal maritime statutes. Carra earned her JD from Tulane University Law School, where she received a Maritime Law Certificate and served as Editor-in-Chief of the Tulane Environmental Law Journal . She holds a B.S. in Maritime Administration from Texas A&M University. She has written and spoken on maritime law topics and has published commentary on maritime liability issues. Do you have a dream car? Support the show Support thejoyofcruisingpodcast https://www.buzzsprout.com/2113608/supporters/new Support Me https://www.buymeacoffee.com/drpaulth Contact Me https://www.thejoyofcruising.net/contact-me.html Book Cruises http://www.thejoyofvacation.com/ US Orders (coupon code joyofcruisingpodcast) The Joy of Cruising https://bit.ly/TheJoyOfCruising Cruising Interrupted https://bit.ly/CruisingInterrupted The Joy of Cruising Again https://bit.ly/TheJoyOfCruisingAgain Intl Orders via Amazon

Send us Fan Mail Hello, passionate cruisers! This is Paul and this week on The Joy of Cruising Podcast ; I am delighted to welcome Jason Gelineau. Jason is the answer to a The Joy of Cruising Podcast trivia question, as he is the dad of a previous guest, the lovely violinist and cruise ship performer and Grammy winner, Emily Gelineau, my guest for Ep 199 but I certainly don’t mean to trivialize Jason’s appearance. In my view, Jason transcends cruising similar to certain other guests I have hosted like travel and hospitality icons Scott Eddy Ep 29 , and Sarah Dandashy Ep 130 ; or individuals who transcend the history of consumer cruising like Joe Farcus, the designer of Carnival’s fleet from inception through 2011 Ep 30 ; Richard Fain, Chairman, Royal Caribbean Group Ep 215 , Lisa Lutoff-Perlo, former CEO, Celebrity Cruises Ep 81 , and finally, featured through his daughter, the late Everett Philips, the father of modern cruise ship Food & Beverage Ep 57 . Jason Gelineau is a highly regarded luxury cruise industry expert with more than 30 years of experience across shipboard operations, shoreside leadership, and global cruise brand development. Throughout his career, Jason has worked with some of the world’s most prestigious cruise brands, including Silversea Cruises, Seabourn, Oceania Cruises, and the World of Residensea. He previously served as Head of Product for Explora Journeys , where he led the development of the onboard guest experience for MSC Group’s luxury lifestyle cruise brand, shaping its hospitality concept, service philosophy, and experiential vision from inception to launch. Based in Western Australia, Jason is the founder of JAG Hospitality, a specialist cruise and hospitality consultancy, and currently serves as a Seatrade Cruise Ambassador for Guest Experience and Wellness. A frequent speaker and moderator at international cruise forums, he is widely recognized for his insight into luxury cruising, evolving guest expectations, and the future of high-end experiences at sea. Do you have a dream car? Support the show Support thejoyofcruisingpodcast https://www.buzzsprout.com/2113608/supporters/new Support Me https://www.buymeacoffee.com/drpaulth Contact Me https://www.thejoyofcruising.net/contact-me.html Book Cruises http://www.thejoyofvacation.com/ US Orders (coupon code joyofcruisingpodcast) The Joy of Cruising https://bit.ly/TheJoyOfCruising Cruising Interrupted https://bit.ly/CruisingInterrupted The Joy of Cruising Again https://bit.ly/TheJoyOfCruisingAgain Intl Orders via Amazon

Send us Fan Mail Hello, passionate cruisers! This is Paul and this week on The Joy of Cruising Podcast ; I am delighted to welcome Josianne Jocelyn, Travel With Josianne. Josianne worked for several years for different travel agencies. Josianne told me, “I was born in Haiti. I came to the US 40 years ago. I come from a family of 6 children (like me). I lived in Brooklyn through high school. (Like me, well, through middle school). After earning a bachelor’s degree, I knew working in the Travel industry is what I wanted to do. My first trip given to me by the agency was a cruise on the Big Red Boat, and I realized that I loved cruising. I got married and gave birth to twin girls. When I moved to New Jersey several years later, I had to work part time, because I was the one taking care of the kids. 2020 change everything. I started to watch YouTube travel videos. Someone told me I should start a YouTube channel, and I did. I did not know how hard it would be. I have been traveling the Caribbean for years by land and sea. Celebrity and Royal are my favorite cruise lines. On Royal I have been on the Icon, Oasis, Quantum and Freedom classes. I’ve been cruising Celebrity for 30 years. Now I’m in love with the Edge Class. I do travel by land. My favorite Caribbean Islands to go to and spend a week with the family are Aruba, Grand Cayman, Providenciales, Turks & Caicos, and Curacao. My favorite all-inclusive is Sandals, having been to Sandals Montego Bay, Royal Caribbean, Curacao, and Regency Le Toc St Lucia.” Do you have a dream car? Support the show Support thejoyofcruisingpodcast https://www.buzzsprout.com/2113608/supporters/new Support Me https://www.buymeacoffee.com/drpaulth Contact Me https://www.thejoyofcruising.net/contact-me.html Book Cruises http://www.thejoyofvacation.com/ US Orders (coupon code joyofcruisingpodcast) The Joy of Cruising https://bit.ly/TheJoyOfCruising Cruising Interrupted https://bit.ly/CruisingInterrupted The Joy of Cruising Again https://bit.ly/TheJoyOfCruisingAgain Intl Orders via Amazon

Send us Fan Mail Hello, passionate cruisers! This is Paul and this week on The Joy of Cruising Podcast ; I am delighted to welcome Tiana, Crew Life On Deck. Tiana works in a hotel department, on a European river cruise ship called, The Excellence Countess, a Swiss-operated river cruise vessel. I met her on Instagram where her profile said, “Facts about people working on cruise ships.” You know that whenever I get the chance to speak with someone who has worked on cruise ships, I jumped at the opportunity. Just as Tiana jumped at the opportunity even though that wasn’t part of her plan. You see, Tiana graduated with a journalism degree, from the university in Serbia where Tiana is from. Worked three years in that field on tv, radio and newspapers, then moved on into it. She said it was exciting to be a journalist but tiring. Internet journalism, websites and then a got a job in it further. After seven years Tiana “jumped” at the opportunity to work on a cruise ship to work as a bar waitress—for the first time in her life. Bored with 8-4 life and having a sister working on ships. Tiana also worked as a dance teacher with kids of all ages for most of her adult life. Do you have a dream car? Support the show Support thejoyofcruisingpodcast https://www.buzzsprout.com/2113608/supporters/new Support Me https://www.buymeacoffee.com/drpaulth Contact Me https://www.thejoyofcruising.net/contact-me.html Book Cruises http://www.thejoyofvacation.com/ US Orders (coupon code joyofcruisingpodcast) The Joy of Cruising https://bit.ly/TheJoyOfCruising Cruising Interrupted https://bit.ly/CruisingInterrupted The Joy of Cruising Again https://bit.ly/TheJoyOfCruisingAgain Intl Orders via Amazon