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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

Sick at Sea: The Truth About Cruise Medical Costs

What happens if you get sick on a cruise? Most people don’t think about it until they’re in the middle of the ocean, feeling awful and staring down a massive medical bill. In this episode, host Melissa shares her...
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Costa Maya: Overrated or Underrated?

Ever been to a cruise port that didn’t wow you at first? That was Costa Maya for many travelers—but there’s more to it than meets the eye. This episode explores the best ways to enjoy Costa Maya, from relaxing at...
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Cruise Pools Exposed: Clean or a Health Hazard?

In this episode, Melissa breaks down the difference between saltwater and freshwater pools, why it matters for sensitive skin, and how often the water is changed. Whether you're a pool lover or prefer to lounge on...
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Solo Cruise Secrets: Tips for Your Best Trip Yet

Curious about cruising solo and making it an unforgettable adventure? In this episode, Melissa shares practical tips for enjoying a safe, exciting, and fulfilling solo cruise. From selecting the best cruise line to...
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Why Does Everyone Hate Nassau? Unpacking the Controversy

Is Nassau REALLY that bad? 🤔 In this episode, we uncover the truth about the Nassau cruise port, tackling concerns like pushy vendors, safety, and transportation while sharing insider tips on the best beaches, private...
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Maximize Your Short Cruise: Expert Tips for Planning, Packing, and Enjoying Every Moment

How can you make short cruises worthwhile and rewarding? Tune in as Melissa shares tips like studying your ship's deck plan before boarding, packing versatile outfits, and arriving early on embarkation day to maximize...
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Cruise Ship Buffets: Secrets to Enjoying (and Surviving) the Ultimate Dining Experience

Are cruise ship buffets worth the hype or a recipe for disaster? Tune in as Melissa shares three strategies to make the most of your buffet experience: timing tips, etiquette essentials, and ways to enjoy the variety...
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Top 5 Destinations For 2025

Discover the year’s top destinations, including Bermuda’s pink sand beaches, Alaska’s glaciers, and the Dominican Republic’s brand-new Cabo Rojo port. Learn about Carnival’s Celebration Key and groundbreaking ships...
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Discover Cozumel: Insider Tips for an Unforgettable Cruise Stop

Discover why Cozumel is loved for its pristine beaches, coral reefs, and rich culture. From convenient taxis to tips on handling currency and language barriers, Melissa ensures you’re prepared for an unforgettable...
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Carnival's Shocking Price Hikes: Greed or Necessity?

From shocking price hikes and new taxes to itinerary changes and cruise scams, we're diving into the latest cruise news! In this episode, I break down Carnival’s drink package increases, Mexico's new cruise tax...
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Icon of the Seas Brawl, Late Night Pizza, and Upside Down Pineapple Bans: Wild Week in Cruise News

This week, we’re talking about big changes and surprising events in the cruise world! From a fight on the Icon of the Seas to Carnival making changes like late-night pizza and Bluetooth speaker bans, there’s a lot to...
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A Cruise for People Who Hate Cruises

Curious about cruising but hate the traditional experience? In this episode, I tackled into why Virgin Voyages is changing the game for non-cruisers. This episode will help you decide if Virgin Voyages is right for...
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