Send us a text Have you ever booked a cruise excursion based on an enticing description, only to discover the reality falls disappointingly short? That's exactly what sparked our deep dive into excursion etiquette this week – a promised maze experience that turned out to be nothing more than a drive-by glimpse from a coach window. Excursion descriptions often gloss over crucial details like how much time you'll actually spend at destinations versus traveling between them. We share our frustratio...
Aug 13, 2025•33 min•Season 2Ep. 12
Send us a text Join us as we delve into the latest updates to the Princess Plus and Princess Premier packages. Discover what these changes mean for your next cruise, including the removal of premium desserts and juice bar access. Are these changes a deal-breaker, or do they enhance the value of your cruise experience? Support the show If you enjoyed this episode please consider supporting the channel via our YouTube Membership https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCNaAHapT85jdtLYwrJhFsCw/join And ple...
Jul 30, 2025•34 min•Season 2Ep. 11
Send us a text In this episode, Linzi and Mark discuss the evolving experience of dining on cruise ships, particularly focusing on the main dining rooms. They explore whether these dining experiences have lost their charm, especially with the rise of specialty dining options and changes in dining culture. The conversation also touches on recent cruise news, including the impact of cruise ship policies on passenger experiences. Support the show If you enjoyed this episode please consider supporti...
Jul 16, 2025•33 min•Season 2Ep. 10
Send us a text In this episode,We discuss the evolving nature of formal wear in cruising, questioning whether it is becoming outdated as cruise lines target a new generation of cruisers. We explore the historical context of formal wear on cruises, the current trends, and the potential future of themed nights. The conversation also includes updates on cruise news, including Royal Caribbean's new beach club and Carnival's switch from Pepsi to Coca-Cola. Additionally, we also touch on a new behind-...
Jul 02, 2025•34 min•Season 2Ep. 9
Send us a text In this episode of the Suite Natured Cruise Cast, we discuss the ins and outs of buying drinks packages on cruises and whether purchasing a beverage package, or not, is always the right decision. Weighing the pros and cons based on various scenarios such as port-intensive itineraries and weather conditions. As always we share personal anecdotes and with have a fantastic cruise confessions and wrap up this episode with a delve into some of the recent cruise news stories we found in...
Jun 18, 2025•35 min•Season 2Ep. 8
Send us a text In this episode of the Suite Natured Cruise Cast, we discuss the recent and continued cutbacks in the cruising industry, exploring various changes such as room service policies, dining experiences, and staffing levels. We delve into specific examples from cruise lines like Cunard, P&O and Princess, highlighting how these changes impact the overall value and experience for cruisers, or in fact, don't at all. The conversation also touches on cruise news, including Celebrity's sh...
Jun 04, 2025•35 min•Season 2Ep. 7
Send us a text In this episode of the Suite Natured Cruise Cast, we discuss the challenges and considerations of booking a last-minute cruise and what compromises you might need to accept. We explore the balance between desperation and toleration when it comes to cabin choices, cruise lines, and dining options. The conversation also touches on recent cruise news, including updates on cruise lines and a light hearted take on a recent smuggling incident. Support the show If you enjoyed this episod...
May 21, 2025•36 min•Season 2Ep. 6
Send us a text In this episode, we explore the concept of 'double dipping' in cruising, discussing whether it's worthwhile to revisit the same excursions, itineraries, and cruise ships. Sharing our personal experiences and preferences, highlighting the joy of familiar favorites while also considering the value of new experiences. The conversation also touches on Royal Caribbean's recent overbooking issues and Celebrity Cruises' innovative date night offerings, showcasing the evolving landscape o...
May 07, 2025•36 min•Season 2Ep. 5
Send us a text In episode 30 of the Suite Natured Cruise Cast we were inspired by JJ Cruises' recent solo cruises, to talk about whether some types of cruises are better solo, especially if one of you has more of an interest in a certain cruise type? As usual, the Cruise Cast is recorded in real time, unscripted and unedited, so anything can happen, and we never quite know where a conversation is going to go We also give our thoughts on a few of the recent cruise news stories to get our teeth in...
Apr 23, 2025•38 min•Season 2Ep. 4
Send us a text Booking to go on a cruises Maiden voyage use to be a bucket list for many cruisers, but since 2020, so many of these first (or first few) cruises are having major issues. From entertainment and restaurants not being ready, to unfinished construction work, and even engine problems; and in Episode 29 of the Suite Natured Cruise Cast, we ask, "Is A Maiden Voyage Just Too Risky?" We talk about our own experiences aboard maiden voyages, as well as looking at other more recent challenge...
Apr 09, 2025•37 min•Season 2Ep. 2
Send us a text In this episode, having just returned from our first Windstar Cruise, we explore the concept of luxury in travel, particularly focusing on whether luxury experiences are exclusive to smaller ships and yachts; or can the bigger ships compare? We share our personal experiences aboard a small yacht, discussing the exceptional service, culinary delights, and intimate entertainment options that contribute to a luxurious atmosphere. We look at the differences in service levels and food ...
Mar 26, 2025•41 min•Season 2Ep. 2
Send us a text In episode 27 of the Cruise Cast, which is also it's first anniversary, we are looking awkward moments experienced while cruising. As usual we share personal anecdotes and scenarios that highlight the humorous and uncomfortable situations that can arise on a cruise, from art galleries to dining experiences. As usual we also take a look at the some of the rcent recent cruise news, including the departure of a notable captain and the trial of a beverage package by Virgin Voyages. Su...
Feb 26, 2025•37 min•Season 2Ep. 1
Send us a text This episode of the Cruise Cast explores the seemingly ever increasing size of cruise ships, deliberating whether larger ships enhance or detract from the cruise experience. We discuss the balance between passenger convenience and the thrill of mega ships and we have a new Cruise Confession and our take on recent cruise news. 00:00 Introduction to Cruise Ship Size 02:25 Pros of Larger Cruise Ships 09:59 Challenges of Big Ships in Ports 14:47 The Experience of Crowded Destinations ...
Feb 12, 2025•42 min•Season 1Ep. 26
Send us a text In this episode of the Suite Natured Cruise Cast, we delve into the topic of bedtime on cruises, discussing the importance of a comfortable bed, the best locations for sleep on a cruise ship, and the various cruise lines that offer the best sleeping experiences. We also touch on the role of TV in bedtime routines, the significance of night lights, and share exciting cruise news, including Celebrity's new river cruise venture and the development of a new cruise port in Belfast. 00:...
Jan 29, 2025•41 min•Season 1Ep. 25
Send us a text Ever imagined sailing the seas with your favorite sci-fi characters or rocking out at a Rock Festival at sea? Linz and Marky are your captains on a whimsical voyage through the world of themed cruises. We kick off with the allure of immersive experiences like the Star Trek cruise, where fans can mingle with celebrities and participate in exclusive activities, and compare it to other niche themes such as crafting or even solving puzzles on the "Puzzled About Everything" cruise. Wit...
Jan 15, 2025•40 min•Season 1Ep. 24
Send us a text In our look back at our (nearly) first year of the Suite Natured Cruise Cast, we've put together our favourite bits, and some of our favourite (or least favourite) "Mood Music". With contributions from many of our special guest co-hosts too. Ever wondered if a catchy intro track could make or break a podcast episode? We certainly have, and our quest to find the perfect mood music has taken us on a wild ride, from the swashbuckling notes of Pirates of the Caribbean to the unexpecte...
Dec 29, 2024•33 min
Send us a text Going on a Cruise over the festive season, or even over Christmas itself can seem like a dream vacation, but do these festive cruises live up to the promise, or are you left feeling like you got a lump of coal in your stocking? Just off of our Queen Victoria Christmas Markets Cruise in December 2024, we thought it was the perfect time of year to discuss these festive cruises on the Suite Natured Cruise Cast. As well we look at some of the more recent news stories and give our thou...
Dec 11, 2024•28 min•Season 1Ep. 22
Send us a text Ready to navigate the world of cruise drinks packages? We sat down with Gavin and Luke, the dynamic duo known as the Cruise Monkeys, to explore whether these packages are just for heavy drinkers or if they offer real value for budget-savvy travelers. Our chat uncovers how P&O's selection, including the intriguing Kung Fu Girl wine, can enhance your cruising experience. Plus, we dive into how these packages might nudge passengers toward more onboard spending, from shopping spre...
Nov 27, 2024•45 min•Season 1Ep. 21
Send us a text In episode 20 of the Suite Natured Cruise Cast, we discuss the best and worst cruise lines for first-time cruisers, focusing on families and couples. Sharing our personal experiences and insights on various cruise lines, including Royal Caribbean, Disney, Cunard, and Virgin. We also touch on the ideal length for a first cruise and another entertaining cruise confessions and our take on the recent cruise news. 00:00 Introduction to Cruising for First-Timers 00:46 Best Cruise Lines ...
Nov 13, 2024•38 min•Season 1Ep. 20
Send us a text Join us on an exhilarating voyage through the world of premium cruising as we welcome Emma from Emma Cruises, who sheds light on the amazing "ship within a ship" concept. Discover the allure of exclusive areas, like private lounges and restaurants, that transform your cruise into an intimate escape from the hustle and bustle of the main ship. As we spotlight the experiences offered by cruise lines like MSC, Norwegian, and Royal Caribbean, we're left to ponder whether other lines l...
Oct 30, 2024•43 min•Season 1Ep. 19
Send us a text Did you ever think cruising might be stretching your wallet too thin? Join us as we embark on a humorous and nostalgic voyage through our cruising past. Linzi and Marky kick off the episode with a lively discussion about mood music, surprising ties to the three ages of Elvis, and some cheeky Father Ted moments that will surely tickle your funny bone. We're also teasing an exciting end-of-year awards ceremony, celebrating the best of mood music and more, making sure you stay entert...
Oct 16, 2024•31 min
Send us a text Join us as Jared and Jordan from JJ Cruise help us untangle whether the latest innovations like Royal Railway's immersive dining or La Petite Chef's theatrical meals are genuine game-changers or mere gimmicks that don't add to the whole cruise experience. From the enchantment of Spellbound aboard the Sun Princess to the growing trend of onboard tattoo parlors, we dissect the true value and staying power of these new experiences. Ever wondered about the hype behind private islands?...
Oct 02, 2024•58 min•Season 1Ep. 17
Send us a text Is hot weather cruising really all sun-soaked bliss, or are there hidden perks to braving the chilly seas? Join us as we unpack the contrasting experiences of hot versus cold weather cruising, sharing personal anecdotes from our adventures with Virgin, MSC, and Celebrity. From the convenience of lighter packing to the festive atmosphere of outdoor sail-away parties, we'll highlight the joys of warm-weather voyages while acknowledging that not every cruiser dreams of endless sunshi...
Sep 18, 2024•47 min•Season 1Ep. 16
Send us a text What if you could transform skepticism into delight with just a single experience? Join us as we welcome Gail and Mike, a couple from Liverpool who initially had some BIG reservations about setting sail with Virgin Voyages. Gail, especially, wary from negative press and misconceptions, shares her journey from hesitation to enthusiasm after their four-night trip out of Portsmouth. We'll explore how firsthand experience can radically change perceptions and why giving things a chance...
Sep 04, 2024•46 min•Season 1Ep. 15
Send us a text Imagine immersing yourself in an intimate voyage along some of the world's most beautiful rivers. What makes river cruising so different from traditional ocean voyages? In this episode, we dissect our trepidations about embarking on a river cruise, from the smaller vessel size and fewer onboard activities to the financial considerations. We also tackle how river cruising is more akin to a land holiday, given the emphasis on off-ship adventures. Our conversation spans specific rive...
Aug 21, 2024•38 min•Season 1Ep. 14
Send us a text Ever wondered if booking a last-minute cruise could be the ticket to your dream cruise or a travel nightmare? Linzi and Mark dive into the thrill and challenges of spontaneous cruise planning in our latest episode. With a free week in September and no prior plan, they weigh the flexibility of hopping on a cruise at the last minute against potential pitfalls like skyrocketing flight prices and limited dining options. Listen to our personal stories, including a memorable last-minute...
Aug 07, 2024•31 min•Season 1Ep. 13
Send us a text Why would a fully constructed rope course, climbing wall, and roller glider remain forever closed on a brand new cruise ship? Join us in this eye-opening episode as we uncover the perplexing decisions surrounding the Sun Princess cruise ship. From safety and insurance concerns to the broader implications for Princess Cruises in attracting family travelers, we analyze how these surprising cancellations stack up against other ships in the Carnival group. Get ready for a deep dive in...
Jul 24, 2024•33 min•Season 1Ep. 12
Send us a text Ever wondered what makes or breaks a first-time cruise experience? You're about to find out! Join us on this episode as Ant and Glen from Escape with Ant and Glen share their firsthand insights and inspiring stories. Explore the pros and cons of various cruise lines as we dissect cabin choices, affordability, and the balance between formality and relaxation. From budget-friendly inside cabins to the plush suites, we'll guide you through the labyrinth of options. We’ll highlight wh...
Jul 10, 2024•1 hr 11 min•Season 1Ep. 11
Send us a text As much as you research and plan for a cruise, sometimes things happen, and suddenly the cruise isn't what you expected. In episode 10 of the Suite Natured Cruise Cast we take a look at this situations, where unexpected could be good or bad. Have you ever found yourself standing amidst Alaska's breathtaking landscapes, completely unprepared for the emotional tidal wave that follows? We start this episode with some playful banter about weather and temperature conversions, but soon ...
Jun 26, 2024•37 min•Season 1Ep. 10
Send us a text Ready to step outside your cruising comfort zone? Join us as we sit down with Paul C Thornton, the mastermind behind the Joy of Cruising series and podcast, who has been navigating the seas since 1988. Paul brings his wealth of knowledge and personal anecdotes, highlighting the unique appeal of Virgin Voyages' adult-only atmosphere and superb dining. Relive Paul's family adventures on Carnival and witness how his tastes have matured over the years, offering a fresh perspective on ...
Jun 12, 2024•1 hr•Season 1Ep. 9
