Welcome to Cruise Talk Weekly with Tommy and Tony. Each week break down the latest happenings in the cruise travel and the cruise industry as only we can. Buckle up here we go. Video version of the podcast published on the Cruise Talk with Tommy and Tony YouTube channel (https://www.youtube.com/@cruisetalktnt).
Have you ever heard someone say they'd never take a cruise because the ship might sink… or that cruise ships are just floating petri dishes? This week on Cruise Talk Weekly , Tommy and Tony discuss some of the biggest misconceptions non-cruisers have about cruising. From fears of seasickness and safety to whether cruises are boring, they break down what people often get wrong before the conversation naturally wanders into cruise news, travel stories, and a few unexpected tangents. Along the way, they also discuss: Tommy's move back to New York Tony's recent Ireland land cruise adventure Frank Del Rio's legal battle with Norwegian Cruise Line A Carnival crew member saving a choking child Cruise ship fights and lifetime cruise bans World Cup fever and why Americans view soccer differently Whether you're a seasoned cruiser or just cruise curious, there's something here for everyone. 🎥 Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/VUDdCQKsnHw Thank you for listening to Cruise Talk Weekly with Tony and Tommy! If you enjoyed this episode, please follow the podcast, leave a rating and review, and share it with a fellow cruiser. Your support helps us continue bringing you weekly conversations about the cruise industry, travel, and everything in between. Follow Cruise Talk Weekly on social media: 📺 YouTube: @CruiseTalkTNT 📸 Instagram: @CruiseTalkTNT 🎵 TikTok: @CruiseTalkTNT Until next time, thanks for listening, and we'll see you on the next Cruise Talk Weekly! 🚢
What kind of cruiser are you? This week on Cruise Talk Weekly, Tommy and Tony introduce a new Cruise Frequency Framework and break down the different types of cruisers—from first-time cruisers and occasional vacationers to enthusiasts and full-fledged Super Cruisers. Along the way, they discuss what turns someone into a frequent cruiser, why some people cruise once and never return, and why others find themselves booking cruise after cruise. Tony also shares his recent experience on a short Carnival Glory getaway and explains why a three-day cruise might be exactly what some cruisers need. Plus, the guys discuss major cruise industry headlines, including: John Heald's changing role at Carnival Cruise Line Former Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings CEO Frank Del Rio's lawsuit Norwegian's recent strategy changes and canceled sailings The growing popularity of short cruises and private island destinations Whether you're a first-time cruiser or a Super Cruiser, this episode is for you. What kind of cruiser are you? Let us know in the comments! 🎙️ Cruise Talk with Tommy & Tony 📧 Email the show: askus@cruisetalktnt.com 📺 Follow Cruise Talk TNT YouTube: @cruisetalktnt Instagram: @cruisetalktnt TikTok: @cruisetalktnt 📺 Follow Tony YouTube: @lalidoloca Instagram: @lalidoloca 📺 Follow Tommy YouTube: @alwaysbebooked #CruiseTalk #Cruising #CruiseNews #CruisePodcast #CruiseVacation #CarnivalCruise #NorwegianCruiseLine #RoyalCaribbean #CruiseLife #SuperCruiser
Cruise comedy is back in the spotlight after another Carnival comedian faces complaints from passengers who attended an adults-only comedy show. This week, Tommy and Tony dive into the ongoing debate over comedy, free speech, cruise entertainment, and whether some guests are simply too quick to be offended. They also discuss the latest cruise controversies, including a passenger suing Carnival after suffering burns on a hot pool deck, Royal Caribbean guests protesting after missing a glacier viewing in Alaska, questions about alcohol policies and drink packages, cruise line bans tied to social media behavior, and propulsion issues aboard Royal Caribbean's Allure of the Seas. Plus, casino talk, cruise ship traditions that have disappeared, and a few unexpected detours into childhood ice cream trucks and cruise gambling strategies. Follow Cruise Talk with Tommy & Tony 📺 YouTube: https://youtube.com/@cruisetalktnt 📸 Instagram: https://instagram.com/cruisetalktnt 🎵 TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@cruisetalktnt #CruiseTalk #CruiseNews #CarnivalCruise #RoyalCaribbean #CruiseComedy #CruisePodcast #Cruising #CruiseLife #CruiseShip #TravelPodcast
Cruise Lines Are Getting Pushback | Royal Caribbean, NCL & Carnival This week on Cruise Talk Weekly, Tony and Tommy dive into another wild week in cruising. From Royal Caribbean hitting a major roadblock in Mexico to Carnival slap fights, buffet crackdowns, NCL ceiling collapses, and the growing debate around cruise line changes, there's a lot to unpack. The guys also discuss solo cruising, cruise line gimmicks, ship-within-a-ship experiences, Carnival's new loyalty opt-in, and whether cruise lines are starting to push passengers too far. CHAPTERS: 00:00 Intro & Opening Banter 03:10 Cruise Line Threatens Cleaning Fees for Buffet Food 17:00 Are Cruise Lines Cutting Too Much? 24:30 NCL Ceiling Collapse & Cruise Ship Safety 33:45 Cruise Ship Attractions, Roller Coasters & Gimmicks 46:30 Ship-Within-a-Ship & Solo Cruising 1:02:00 Cruise Ship Lines & Crowds 1:12:30 Royal Caribbean Mexico Project Denied 1:24:00 Carnival Slap Fight & Lifetime Ban Debate 1:37:00 Carnival Loyalty Program Opt-In 1:40:00 Camouflage Clothing Ban in Caribbean Ports 1:45:00 Carnival's "America's Cruise Line" Branding Debate Follow Cruise Talk Weekly: YouTube: https://youtube.com/@cruisetalktnt Instagram: https://instagram.com/cruisetalktnt TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@cruisetalktnt #cruisenews #royalcaribbean #carnivalcruise #ncl #cruisetalkweekly
Cruise Fights, Virus Fears & Carnival Chaos This week on Cruise Talk Weekly, Tony and Tommy dive into one of the wildest weeks in cruise news yet. From a slap fight at Carnival guest services that somehow ended up involving the FBI, to growing concerns around the hantavirus outbreak connected to an expedition cruise ship, there's a lot to unpack. The guys also discuss: Carnival's cruise pricing glitch controversy Loyalty program opt-in confusion Whether cruise lines should honor mistake fares Cruise ship fights and growing bad behavior at sea Mobility scooter etiquette and cruise accessibility debates The tragic Celebration Key pier accident Cruise safety, aging cruisers, and personal responsibility Norovirus outbreaks and passenger concerns Whether cruising culture is starting to change Plus, Tony and Tommy share their thoughts on cruise etiquette, elevator politics, scooter chaos, and why people seem more on edge than ever lately. See this episode over here: https://www.youtube.com/@cruisetalktnt #CruiseNews #CarnivalCruise #CruiseTalkWeekly #Cruising #CruisePodcast
This week on Cruise Talk Weekly, Tony and Tommy break down one of the most unusual cruise experiences we've seen in a while… a sailing out of Philadelphia with no cruise terminal 😳 From a chaotic embarkation process that had passengers waiting for hours, to rough seas on the way to Bermuda, this cruise didn't exactly start smoothly. But once things got going? It turned into something pretty special. 🌴 In this episode: What it was REALLY like cruising out of Philly without a terminal The embarkation issues that had people talking all week Rough Atlantic seas and how passengers handled it Bermuda's reality: pink sand… or not? Why Bermuda might be one of the most underrated cruise ports Charleston surprises, southern charm, and incredible food Behind-the-scenes of group cruising with 150+ people Cruise industry talk: new ships, overbooking strategies, and Royal Caribbean's long-term plans Along the way, Tony shares his firsthand experience leading a group cruise, the moments that worked (and didn't), and why mindset can make or break your vacation. Was the chaos worth it? And would we do it again? 🎧 Listen now and join the conversation! — 👉 Don't forget to subscribe/follow Cruise Talk Weekly so you never miss an episode 👉 Watch more cruise content on La Lido Loca👉 Listen more at Always Be Booked 👉 Have a question or topic? Drop it in the comments! #CruiseTalkWeekly #CruiseNews #BermudaCruise #CruiseTips #CruiseLife
Cruise influencers / Cruise YouTubers have been banned from Margaritaville at Sea for a bad review. In this episode Tommy and Tony give their take on this situation and everything going on in cruising.
In this episode of Cruise Talk Weekly, Tommy shares one of the wildest cruise stories we've ever heard — booking a cruise just hours before departure and barely making it onboard in time. But once the adventure began, things didn't exactly go smoothly… We break down: The unbelievable same-day cruise booking story Racing to the port and boarding at the last possible second Visiting the ABC islands (Aruba, Bonaire, Curaçao) Why Bonaire might be the hidden gem Mechanical issues on Carnival Horizon A brutal 2+ hour debarkation Buffet quality debate and cruise food trends The strangest issue of all… missing shower heads?! It's a mix of cruise luck, chaos, and commentary you won't want to miss. 📩 Have a question for the show? Email us: askus@cruisetalktnt.com 📺 Follow & Watch More: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@cruisetalktnt Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cruisetalktnt TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@cruisetalktnt 🎙️ New episodes every week — Cruise Talk Weekly with Tommy & Tony.
There have been a lot going on with cruises over the last week. In this epsiode, Tommy and Tony talk about the latest impacts of the conflict in the Middle East in regards to cruises. They also breakdown the overboard prank on the Oasis of the Seas. Additionally, the conversation touches on cruise ship Godmothers, swimming with the pigs, Rocky V and more. It's Cruise Talk with Tommy and Tony. Check out the YouTube channel here - https://www.youtube.com/@cruisetalkweekly
🎙️ Episode 24: New Cruise Charges, Outbreak Scare & That FAKE Pier Run?! This week on Cruise Talk Weekly , Tony and Tommy break down a packed week in cruising—from rising costs to viral chaos and everything in between. Cruise lines may soon be adding new fuel surcharges as global tensions push oil prices higher. What does this mean for your next vacation—and are more surprise charges on the way? We also dive into the norovirus outbreak on the brand-new Star Princess , what really happens during those "deep cleans," and whether you should feel comfortable boarding after an incident like this. Plus, the internet is buzzing over a FAKE pier run video that racked up millions of views—why did it make so many cruisers angry, and does it even matter if it was staged? And that's not all: Princess raises gratuities (again) and what it means for cruisers The growing frustration around tipping culture at sea Carnival's new "speed dining" concept—game changer or cruise killer? A bizarre union standoff in Australia And why the Carnival Splendor still holds a special place in Tony's heart Whether you're planning your next cruise or just love staying on top of cruise news, this episode has you covered. 🚢 Join the Conversation What do you think about rising cruise costs, tipping, or speed dining? Let us know your thoughts! 🔔 Follow & Subscribe Don't forget to follow Cruise Talk Weekly so you never miss an episode
Cruises are being canceled as tensions escalate in the Persian Gulf. Cruise lines are scrambling to move ships and passengers while thousands of cruisers try to get home. At the same time, cruise lines are starting to charge for things that used to be free. Are these changes the new normal for cruising? In this episode of Cruise Talk Weekly, Tony and Tommy break down the biggest cruise stories from the past week and what they mean for cruisers. Topics in this episode 🚢 Cruise lines cancel sailings in the Persian Gulf 🚢 Thousands of cruisers impacted in Dubai 🚢 Cruise lines charging for things that used to be free 🚢 Princess Medallion shipping price increase 🚢 Royal Caribbean soda machine changes 🚢 Norwegian Cruise Line sparks debate with a paid show 🚢 Is cruising still the best vacation value? We also discuss cruise industry trends, travel risks, and what these changes could mean for future cruise vacations. If you enjoy cruise news, cruise debates, and cruise industry analysis, subscribe and join the conversation. See more Tommy at: @alwaysbebookedcruisepodcas1247 See more Tony at: @LaLidoLoca Watch the video version of this podcast here - https://youtu.be/5YiRVH1qUls
This week on Cruise Talk Weekly, Tony and Tommy break down a jam-packed episode covering: - Tony's experience on the Kevin Smith "Cruise Askew" theme cruise - Escalating violence in Mexico and what it means for cruise passengers - A bizarre hotel "travel hack" gone viral (and very wrong) - MSC's plan to introduce humanoid robots and robot dogs onboard - Virgin Voyages taking a public swipe at Norwegian Cruise Line - The ongoing shareholder pressure campaign at Norwegian Let's dive in. Get more Tommy - @alwaysbebookedcruisepodcas1247 Get more Tony - @LaLidoLoca See the video of the epsiode here - https://youtu.be/MvXhFNem9jE Copyright 2026 - Cruise Talk Weekly
The cruise world is shifting — and this week we're breaking down the biggest changes making waves across the industry. From leadership shakeups at Norwegian Cruise Line to new onboard policies and the growing buzz around small-ship and river cruising, we dive into what these developments could mean for the future of cruising. Are travelers looking for more exclusivity? Are cruise lines struggling to define their identity? And how will evolving technology, guest expectations, and pricing models reshape the experience at sea? We also tackle the ongoing debate around cruise gratuities, enforcement of onboard rules, and how cruise lines are navigating new challenges while trying to keep guests happy. Whether you're a loyal mega-ship fan or curious about the rise of smaller, more intimate cruise experiences, this episode of Cruise Talk Weekly connects the dots behind the headlines and explores where cruising may be headed next. 🎙️ Listen in for insight, commentary, and a little cruise-world perspective you won't hear anywhere else. #CruiseNews #CruiseTalkWeekly #Cruising See a video presentation of this podcast here - https://youtu.be/4MAk8311vWQ See more of Tommy here - https://www.youtube.com/@alwaysbebookedcruisepodcas1247 See more of Tony here - https://www.youtube.com/@LaLidoLoca Copyright 2026, Cruise Talk Weekly
After 80 cruises, this one might have been my BEST cruise ever. In this episode of Cruise Talk Weekly, we break down a family Comic Con cruise experience that delivered rare "Pure Cruise Bliss" — plus major cruise news impacting Carnival Cruise Line, MSC Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line, and the Alaska cruise market. Tony shares what made this sailing so special: cruising with 10 family members, first-time cruisers handling rough seas, theme cruise energy, and why this experience stood out after more than 80 sailings. But it's not all smooth seas in the cruise industry… We also discuss: 🛳 MSC Cruises expanding in Miami – New headquarters, North American growth, and whether MSC is now officially part of the "Big 4" cruise lines. ⚖️ Carnival under investigation in Australia – Whistleblower claims, crew working conditions, and government inspections. 🎭 Norwegian Cruise Line cutting Broadway-style shows – Cost cutting vs. evolving cruise entertainment trends. ❄️ Alaskan Dream Cruises shutting down – What this means for small cruise lines and Alaska cruise competition. 💻 Carnival IT outage – Embarkation delays, Wi-Fi disruptions, casino shutdowns, and possible guest compensation. Is cruising evolving… or slowly changing in ways longtime cruisers won't love? If you follow cruise news, Carnival updates, MSC cruise growth, Norwegian Cruise Line changes, Alaska cruises, cruise industry investigations, or cruise ship technology issues — this episode covers it all. Subscribe for weekly cruise news, cruise industry analysis, cruise ship reviews, and honest cruise commentary. 🌊 Join the conversation in the comments: What has been YOUR best cruise ever? #BestCruiseEver #CruiseNews #CarnivalCruise
Looking at the cruise trends for 2026 a question lingers. Even though Royal Caribbean is seen as the industry leader in many ways is Carnival actual better at this thing? Tommy and Tony also talk through the latest cruise news and events impacting the cruise industry. #cruisetalk #cruisenews #cruisetrends See the video version of this podcast here - https://youtu.be/Rs87CkJUi1E Contact us: questions@cruisetalkweekly.net See more Tommy at: @alwaysbebookedcruisepodcas1247 See more Tony at: @LaLidoLoca Copyright 2026 - Cruise Talk Weekly
Cruises are very predictible and uneventful for the most part. However, occasionally things happen and chaos ensues. In today's epsiode Tommy and Tony walk though the major events that have happened in cruising including the story a cruise ship that broke free at a popular cruise port. Updates from Royal Caribbean, Carnival Cruise Line, NCL and more. See the video version of this epsiode here - https://youtu.be/XHjpur1rT0g Contact us at: questions@cruisetalkweekly.net See more of Tommy here: https://www.youtube.com/@alwaysbebookedcruisepodcas1247 See more of Tony here: https://www.youtube.com/@LaLidoLoca Copyright 2026 - Cruise Talk Weekly
Big cruise news, wild passenger stories, and honest cruise talk — this episode has it all. On this episode of Cruise Talk Weekly, we break down: Major upgrades coming to Norwegian's Great Stirrup Cay Why the Comic-Con Cruise is officially ending The future (and pricing problems) of themed cruises A real cruise scam story and how to avoid getting burned Passenger requests that went way too far Adults-only cruising, dress codes, and comedy show debates Why cruising today looks nothing like cruising in the past We also talk private islands vs. CocoCay, cruise port logistics, Virgin Voyages' evolving audience, and whether "ship-within-a-ship" cruising is actually worth it. Reach out: questions@cruisetalkweekly.net Copyright 2026 - Cruise Talk Weekly
In this episode of Cruise Talk Weekly, hosts Tommy and Tony discuss their New Year's resolutions, cruise goals for 2026, and the impact of geopolitical issues on cruising. They explore the importance of levity in serious discussions, the unpredictable behavior of cruise passengers, and the implications of internet monitoring on cruise ships. The conversation also touches on new taxes affecting the cruise industry, the rise of fights on cruise ships, and the serious nature of overboard incidents. Finally, they look ahead to upcoming cruise ships in 2026 and share their experiences with cruise ship spotting. Question/Comments/Concerns - questions@cruisetalkweekly.net More Tommy here - @alwaysbebookedcruisepodcas1247 More Tony here - @LaLidoLoca See the video of the podcast here - https://youtu.be/Htf5OL4qxf0 Copyright 2026 - Cruise Talk Weekly
In this episode of Cruise Talk Weekly, hosts Tommy and Tony discuss a variety of topics related to cruising, including their experiences on holiday cruises, favorite Christmas movies, and the latest cruise line packages. They also touch on the recent milestone of Celebration Key, cabin troubles on cruise ships, and the innovations being introduced by cruise lines. The conversation is light-hearted and humorous, with a focus on the joys and quirks of cruising during the holiday season. Questions/Comments? Email - questions@cruisetalkweekly.net More Tommy: @alwaysbebookedcruisepodcas1247 More Tony: @LaLidoLoca 00:14 Introduction and Festive Vibes 03:08 Cruise Experiences and Movie References 06:00 Holiday Celebrations on Cruises 08:42 Christmas Movies and Traditions 11:37 Cruise Line Developments and Celebrations 14:27 Cruise Packages and Value Propositions 29:20 Understanding Cruise Pricing and Value 31:42 Evaluating All-Inclusive Packages 34:30 The Importance of Internet and Connectivity 38:30 Cruise Cabin Experiences and Issues 51:51 Geopolitical Impacts on Cruise Destinations 59:25 Royal Caribbean's New Beach Club Experience Copyright 2025 - Cruise Talk Weekly
In this episode of Cruise Talk Weekly, hosts Tommy and Tony delve into the evolving culture of cruising, discussing recent incidents aboard cruise ships, the impact of alcohol consumption, and the challenges faced by crew members. They explore the growing popularity of loyalty programs, the debate over appropriate cruise attire, and the emergence of private cruise destinations. The conversation also touches on a tragic incident involving Royal Caribbean and the implications of technology in the cruising experience, highlighting the need for accountability and safety in the industry. See More of Tommy at: @alwaysbebookedcruisepodcas1247 See More of Tony at: @LaLidoLoca Questions / Comments / Concerns: questions@cruisetalkweekly.net
