All Episodes
Episodes
Can Cruise Lines Add Fuel Fees After Final Payment?
Could your cruise fare still go up after final payment? Professor Melissa explains why fuel surcharge clauses matter when oil prices rise, how Carnival, Norwegian, and Royal Caribbean handle them, and what that could...
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Are Short Cruises a Waste of Money?
Is a short cruise really cheaper, or does it just look that way at checkout? Let's compare 3-night and 7-night trips and see why the lower fare can be misleading. When travelers factor in per-night pricing, drink...
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Cruise Line Cuts, Price Hikes, and an Alaska Itinerary Change
What happens when cruise lines quietly change the rules after you’ve already booked? Let's talk about where cruise policies, loyalty perks, and onboard costs are headed. Norwegian reversed its change to the Great...
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5 Most Overrated Things About Cruising That Waste Your Money
Are some of the most popular cruise “must-dos” actually costing you more while giving you less? Professor Melissa breaks down five of the most hyped cruise experiences and explains where they fall short, who they...
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4 Cruise Tipping Myths Debunked
Do cruise passengers misunderstand tipping more than they realize? Many cruisers believe removing auto gratuities, tipping only cash, skipping tips, or prepaying gratuities is the smartest strategy. These ideas sound...
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Major Cruise Updates: Ship Inspection Blocked, Sailings Canceled, Prices Up
Are cruise lines becoming less transparent with passengers? This week in cruising, government officials were blocked from boarding a ship during a crew safety investigation, dozens of Carnival sailings suddenly...
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Cruise Cancelled in Dubai? The Travel Insurance Clause That Could Cost You
What happens when your cruise gets canceled while you are already halfway around the world?
Thousands of passengers in Dubai were left scrambling for flights after MSC Cruises canceled its remaining Arabian Gulf...
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The Truth About Cruise Ship Med Centers
What would happen if you needed medical care in the middle of the ocean tonight? Cruise ship medical bills shock passengers every year, yet most cruisers board assuming their health insurance works at sea. It usually...
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Cruise Ports Canceled Again? What You Need to Know
What happens when the cruise you booked quietly becomes a different cruise altogether? This week, multiple cruise lines exercised their contractual right to change itineraries, cancel ports, and substitute...
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10 Ways You Can Be Denied Boarding on a Cruise
Could you lose your cruise before you ever step on the ship?
From passport expiration rules and visa requirements to DUI restrictions, minor travel documentation, pregnancy cutoffs, and health screenings, cruise lines...
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25-Year-Old Ship Goes Dark, Investor Shakeup, Perfect Day Delayed—All This Week
What happens when a major investor moves to reshape Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings, a 25-year-old ship like Celebrity Infinity goes dark at sea, and Royal Caribbean International faces legal delays on Perfect Day...
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Newbie Cruise Mistakes That Could Cost You More $$$
It is not the ship you choose or the cabin category. It is what happens after you book. This episode breaks down how cruise systems work, why scarcity drives action, how loyalty status impacts availability, and why a...
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