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Professor Melissa's Cruise Pod

Professor Melissa's Cruise Pod

Hosted by: Professor Melissa

Welcome to Professor Melissa's Cruise Pod, your go-to guide for everything cruising! Tune in for top tips, savvy hacks, advice, and stories from a cruise enthusiast who’s been there and done it all (well, not "all",...

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Episodes

Royal Caribbean Cancels AGAIN – What’s Going On?

This week in cruise news, Royal Caribbean cancels a popular port (again), Carnival unveils mega-ship plans, and a tragic story reminds us why travel insurance matters. Plus, Norovirus is spreading, CDC layoffs raise...
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Unlocking Key West: A Cruiser's Guide to Florida's Quirky Paradise

Is Key West just another cruise stop—or a quirky paradise worth exploring? In this episode, we’re diving into everything that makes Key West memorable, from roaming chickens and hidden gems to surprisingly amazing Key...
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New Ships, Shocking Cancellations, and a Secret to Free Cruises

A major cruise line unexpectedly pulls out of Galveston, a luxury ship faces a serious health outbreak, and a fresh travel advisory. We’ve also got sneak peeks at new ships... and the secret to cruising for free.
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The Dumbest Cruise Money Mistake (And How to Avoid It)

Ever wonder how one small money mistake on a cruise could cost you hundreds? This episode breaks down the dumb things travelers do with their cash (and hi, it's me, I've done it too!) and how you can avoid it.
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Cruise News | Cruise Shockers: Tragedies, Denied Boarding, Pirates & More

This week in cruising has been eventful, including a heartbreaking incident involving a young passenger. From tragic cruise events to international travel advisories, this cruise news roundup brings essential updates...
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Cruise Insurance Demystified: Real Talk from Someone Who Learned the Hard Way

Do you think travel insurance is just a waste of money? What if not having it ends up costing you even more? In this episode, I talk about why cruise travel insurance matters and the things people don’t think about...
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Roatan Cruise Port: Best Tips, Must-See Spots & What to Avoid!

Roatan in Honduras is a stunning cruise port with crystal-clear waters, lush mountains, and some of the best snorkeling in the Caribbean. But before you step off your ship, there are a few important things to keep in...
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Cruise Banned Items: What Not to Bring on Board (or Lose at Security!)

What happens if you pack the wrong thing for your cruise and it's on the banned list? Don’t make the same mistakes I did! In this episode, I break down the latest banned items and the surprising rules that could land...
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Are Cruises STILL Worth It?

Are cruises still a great vacation deal, or are they becoming overpriced with all the extra fees? The industry has bounced back in a big way since 2020, but with rising cruise fares and extra onboard costs, some...
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Haters Exposed: The Ugly Truth About Cruising!

There are quite a few cruise haters out there, and while I disagree with them completely, I want to try to understand them.
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The Worst Cruise Stateroom and the Awning from Hell

Is this the worst cruise stateroom ever? I recently sailed Carnival Mardi Gras and ended up with a less-than-desirable stateroom, and I want to ensure other cruisers are getting the best bang for their buck when it...
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Cruise News: Why Carnival’s Controversial Curfew is a Good Idea

Carnival cracks down on teens, Royal Caribbean flunks a CDC inspection, and a beloved Holland America pup gets a heartfelt farewell. Plus, Disney’s UK sailings, Carnival’s $600M private island, and a tax change that...
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