The Podcastaways - podcast cover

The Podcastaways

Trevor Shelby, Thomas Kennedy, and Jennifer Rowellwww.facebook.com
Join superfans Trevor Shelby, Thomas Kennedy, Jennifer Rowell, and Reese Schrimsher each week as they lead their audience through their love of Cruising, Cruise News, and a focus on various Cruising Topics and interviews with Cruise staff, Crew members and Excursion staff who work so hard to make each and every cruise magical!
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Episodes

Waterslide Woes & Diana Ross No-Shows

This week Trevor, Tom, and Jenn navigate through choppy waters of cruise news! We're discussing Carnival's big moves with the Mardi Gras switching to shorter Bahamas runs from Port Canaveral in 2027, plus exciting details about the new Carnival Jubilee's music-inspired zones. Find out why Diana Ross backed out of being Star of the Seas' godmother with just days to spare, and how Tropical Storm Aaron might affect current sailings. We also cover MSC's massive expansion into Texas and the Caribbean...

Aug 16, 202538 minSeason 5Ep. 3

From Margaritaville to Viking: Our Cruise Line Bucket List

The Golden Crew is dreaming beyond Carnival! Join Trevor, Tom, and Jenn as they share which cruise lines are on their bucket lists (spoiler: Tom wants to try the Scientology ship for the "experience"). This week: Trevor's declining a bad book deal to self-publish his hockey romance "Second Shot," Tom's convinced he's been kicked out of the group chat (he hasn't), and we debate the merits of MSC's yacht club where you get your own butler named Jeeves. Plus, we discover Virgin's annual pass costs ...

Aug 09, 202554 minSeason 5Ep. 2

Welcome to The Podcastaways! (Same Chaos, New Name)

Welcome to the inaugural episode of The Podcastaways! (Yes, we changed our name, but we're still the same chaotic crew you know and love.) Join Trevor, Tom, and Jenn as she returns from her Hawaiian adventure with tales of tubing through ancient canals and sleeping in her garage after being locked out at midnight. This week: We analyze the viral video of someone attempting a handstand at an infinity pool on Icon of the Seas (spoiler: gravity won), share Tim's latest Australian vacation updates f...

Aug 02, 202542 min

Breaking: The Podcastaways Set Sail (Plus Tim's Wild Burlesque Adventure)

Big changes are coming to the Golden Crew! Join Trevor, Tom, and Jenn as they make a major announcement about the future of the podcast (hint: we're broadening our horizons beyond just Carnival). This week: We review the decidedly un-Bahamian food options at Celebration Key (donuts and sushi, anyone?), share the miraculous Disney cruise rescue story where a 5-year-old and her dad both survived going overboard, and accidentally discover Tom Cruise news while Googling "cruise news." Plus, Tim from...

Jul 12, 202549 minSeason 4Ep. 30

Independence Day Special: Fireworks, Pool Noodles, and Happy Endings

Happy 4th of July from the Golden Crew! Join Trevor, Tom, and Jen for a special holiday episode as they celebrate America's birthday (recorded totally on July 4th, we swear). This week: We discuss our exciting poop cruise documentary watch party plans, share the miraculous Disney cruise rescue story of a 5-year-old who went overboard (spoiler: Disney magic saved the day!), and debunk the outrageous $19.99 pool noodle rumor at Celebration Key. Plus, Tom's playing Jimmy Buffett for people who actu...

Jul 04, 202528 minSeason 4Ep. 29

From Grief to Acceptance: Planning Our Poop Cruise Watch Party

The Golden Crew has reached the acceptance stage! Join Trevor, Tom, and Jen as they move past their VIFP grief and embrace the chaos. This week: We discover Tom's bandmate doesn't know who Jimmy Buffett is (Gen X parents have failed!), plan an epic watch-along party for Netflix's Carnival Triumph "poop cruise" documentary, and tease mysterious changes coming to the show in August. Plus, Trevor finally admits he's accepted his fate as a future red card holder, we debate Lido breakfast vs. sea day...

Jun 28, 202543 minSeason 4Ep. 28

The Golden Crew Goes Red: VIFP Changes Explained (Sort Of)

The Golden Crew faces their darkest hour as Carnival drops a bombshell announcement about major changes to the VIFP loyalty program! Join Trevor, Tom, and Jenn as they navigate the five stages of grief over the new points and stars system that's replacing the beloved days-based program. In this emotional rollercoaster of an episode, we break down what spending $18,000 might get you (spoiler: maybe platinum status?), debate whether families will have to split their points four ways, and discover ...

Jun 21, 202533 minSeason 4Ep. 27

Mess Around and Find Out: Carnival's Social Media Crackdown

The Golden Crew is back! Fresh off his Alaskan adventure, Trevor joins Tom and Jenn to discuss the latest cruise happenings. This week: Carnival cracks down on social media rule-breakers (mess around and find out!), the newly upgraded Carnival Valor emerges from dry dock with exciting new features, and we dive into the art of being a pier runner spectator. Plus, Trevor shares his genius platinum perk laundry hack, we debate the merits of ship coffee options, and somehow end up discussing white c...

Jun 14, 202546 minSeason 4Ep. 25

Alaska or Bust: Trevor's FGC #3 Adventures on the Carnival Luminosa

Pack your parkas, Pod Castaways! Trevor's back from the Last Frontier with tales from FGC #3 aboard the Carnival Luminosa. Join Trevor and Tom as they dive into all the Alaskan adventures, from getting uncomfortably close to whales (20 feet!) to discovering that OG Carnival burgers might just be better than Guy's (controversial, we know). Trevor breaks down the Luminosa's unique Spirit/Vista hybrid design, shares stories from ports like Ketchikan, Skagway, and Juneau, and reveals why the ship's ...

Jun 07, 202542 minSeason 4Ep. 24

From Celebration Key to Runway Outtakes: A Carnival Deep Dive

Trevor, Tom, and Jenn are back with a jam-packed episode diving into Carnival’s newest hot topic—Celebration Key! 🌴 From environmental efforts to economic impacts, they break down everything Carnival is doing (and maybe not doing 👀) to prep this private paradise. Plus, Trevor makes a case for runway videos at sea, Tom relives a hilarious elevator encounter, and Trevor gets called out for his editing (or lack thereof). Also—big updates on the FRGC 4 aboard the Carnival Jubilee in 2026! 🚢💃 🎧 ...

May 17, 202542 minSeason 4Ep. 23

Carnival Goes Digital… and So Did Our Sanity

With Jenn MIA (because somebody forgot where her priorities lie), Tom and Trevor go rogue in this unfiltered, one-take wonder. From Carnival scrapping physical shore excursion tickets to the debut of limited-edition Jack Daniels bottles onboard, they dive into the latest cruise news with sarcasm, heart, and a healthy dose of tech nostalgia. Throw in some SpeakPipe shoutouts (toilet flush talk included), a conspiracy theory about Guy Fieri’s tequila, and a Zune player that may or may not contain ...

May 10, 202529 minSeason 4Ep. 22

Powdered Booze, Haunted Ports, and Travel Insurance Truths

In this wild ride of an episode, the Podcastaways crew dives into powdered alcohol smuggling attempts, haunted Long Beach ports, overpriced cruise add-ons, and whether Dog the Bounty Hunter is lurking in Hawaii. Jen leads the charge, Trevor tries to get scattered at sea (unceremoniously), and Kennedy’s Roomba collection grows dangerously sentient. Also: do you really need travel insurance? Tune in for laughs, cruise tips, and possibly a goodwill intervention.

May 03, 202548 minSeason 4Ep. 21

Cruise Packing 101: Essentials, Embarrassments, and Expert Tips!

Today, The Golden Crew sets sail into the art (and chaos) of cruise packing! Trevor, Jenn, and Tom break down must-have items for first-time cruisers, from formalwear hacks to laundry service secrets. We swap hilarious travel mishaps, reveal unexpected cruise essentials (yes, even poopouri makes the list), and share why overpacking is the silent villain of every seven-day trip. Plus, we tackle an audience question: What’s the best U.S. port to cruise from if you're traveling internationally? Get...

Apr 26, 202553 minSeason 4Ep. 20

Banned Booze, Passport Frowns & a Toilet Mystery Solved

It’s just Trevor, Tom, and Jenn on deck this week—and things get real weird, real fast. We kick things off by confessing the one thing we’ve each tried on a cruise and absolutely hated (hint: snails and slow check-ins don’t mix). From there, we stumble into the great passport photo debate—should you smile, or should you look like your soul left on embarkation day? We also talk about Carnival’s new hardline stance on booze smugglers (spoiler alert: you could get banned), and share our own strateg...

Apr 19, 202532 minSeason 4Ep. 19

Platinum Problems & Project Ace: Carnival Updates Revealed

It's a Platinum Boys Special! Trevor and Mr. Kennedy are at the helm today, discussing Carnival Cruise Line's newest announcements and upcoming changes. They're diving into the updates on Carnival's loyalty program, including exciting discussions on new ship names, upcoming Excel-class vessels, and the mysterious "Project Ace." Listen as they debate potential ship names, speculate on loyalty program tiers, and hilariously navigate the news with plenty of laughs and cruise-loving banter. Don’t mi...

Apr 12, 202523 minSeason 4Ep. 18

Hold the Ketchup, We’re Texan! Mayo Ain’t Just for Sandwiches, John

This week on Carnival Cruising Podcastaways , Tom, Jenn, and Trevor are serving up another helping of cruise chaos—with a side of mayo, a handful of shrimp, and one very overpriced cocktail. Join the crew as they dig into: Carnival’s internet pricing and why it’s not just “because the ship already has it” New arcade deals that might have led to a claw machine victory A speakerpipe shoutout from our new Aussie field reporter, Tim (we see you, Tim!) Texans demanding Duke’s mayo at sea—and the cont...

Apr 05, 202542 minSeason 4Ep. 17

I Ate Two Cheesecakes and Blame My Mom

This week, the dynamic trio—Jenn, Trevor, and Tom—are back with another jam-packed episode of cruise chaos! Trevor’s finally back (or is he just a ghost?), and the crew dives into the serious issues… like who really deserves the diamond lunch, why a tomahawk steak is NOT for two , and how Jenn may or may not have unlocked the buttons that control reality . Tom confesses to buying Dogecoin, Trevor gets banned from exclusive steak dinners by his own wife, and Jenn opens a can of cruise conspiracy ...

Mar 29, 202530 minSeason 4Ep. 16

The Tom & Jenn Power Hour. AKA Where in the World Is Trevor SanDiego?

It’s another Tom & Jenn Takeover! With Trevor off being a ghost (literally), and Gary MIA (probably plotting how to make tomahawk steaks for one), Thomas and Jenn hold down the fort in classic Golden Crew style. They talk Carnival stock, debate whether a tomahawk steak is really meant for two, and brainstorm ways to make a cruise truly special for someone facing a life-threatening illness. Oh—and there might be some good-natured trash talk about the missing hosts. (We’re looking at you, Trev...

Mar 22, 202527 minSeason 4Ep. 15

Miami Party Cruises EXPOSED: The Truth About Short Carnival Cruises!

The Golden Crew is back with plenty of cruise chaos! A disgruntled guest contacts John Heald after his Mr. Coffee maker gets confiscated, igniting debate about what's allowed onboard. The crew discusses whether short Carnival cruises deserve their wild reputation, veteran cruisers reveal what they no longer do after years at sea, and they answer a listener's plea for Puerto Rico port tips. Plus, they debate the benefits of platinum status, share embarrassing cruise art stories, and discuss why y...

Mar 08, 202547 minSeason 4Ep. 14

Towels on Fire & Chocolate Cake Drama: Carnival Cruising Catastrophes

Join the Golden Crew as they dish on Carnival's anticipated Celebration Key opening just 5 months away! Trevor, Tom, and Jenn share details about finding cruises that visit the new private island, discuss recent incidents aboard the Carnival Glory (including a balcony fire!), and debate the proper consistency of Carnival's famous chocolate melting cake. Plus, hear about Jenn's upcoming Princess cruises to Hawaii, Trevor's passionate stance on ice cream, and why you should never leave towels unat...

Mar 01, 202550 minSeason 4Ep. 13

Dudes, Food & Brews Cruise

Trevor and Tom reconvene to recap all the wild times from the recent Dudes Cruise. From finally tracking down that infamous restaurant in Mexico (spoiler alert: it was hiding in plain sight!) to an unexpectedly moving vow renewal ceremony, Trevor dishes on the trip highlights. The duo also raises a virtual toast to Carnival's Cruise Director of the Year, Kindle Kennedy. Tune in for behind-the-scenes stories, arcade adventures, and plenty of laughs with your favorite podcast pair. #carnivalcruise...

Feb 22, 202542 minSeason 4Ep. 11

The Tom and Jen Show

Tom and Jen were left to their own devices. Join us as we discuss a formerly free transport in La Paz, Mexico and have some fun talking gambling.

Feb 15, 202525 min

Hidden Ways to Save Money on Your Next Cruise

Set sail with the Carnival Cruising Podcastaways as we dive into the latest Carnival news, cruise hacks, and a little bit of onboard chaos! In this episode, we talk about the new Guy Fieri cruise show , uncover a wild story of a cruiser being mistakenly arrested before embarkation , and discuss some major money mistakes first-time cruisers make (so you don’t have to!). Plus, the crew debates Carnival's "Double Diamond" VIP status (which doesn’t exist!) and tackles some absolutely necessary cruis...

Feb 08, 20251 hr 19 minSeason 4Ep. 8

Cruising With Confidence: Accessibility & Adventures with Aspen

Ahoy, Podcastaways! Madison here (obviously the best future host candidate—sorry, Gary!) bringing you a truly inspiring episode. This week, the Golden Crew (Thomas, Jen, and Gary) welcomes Aspen , a T9 paraplegic and the driving force behind “Accessibility with Aspen.” Aspen shares her story of navigating life on wheels after a medication injury, traveling with her adorable service dog Jojo, and how she continues to explore the high seas—proving that cruising really can be for everyone! From boo...

Feb 01, 20251 hrSeason 4Ep. 7

Secrets, Slides, and Surprises: One-of-a-Kind Carnival Cruise Experiences!

Get ready for a journey through Carnival's most unique and exciting features! 🚢 From hybrid ships like the Carnival Luminosa to heart-pounding attractions like the drop slides and SkyZone trampoline park, we’re uncovering the one-of-a-kind experiences that set Carnival apart. 🌟 The Golden Crew also shares hidden gems like exclusive bars, the first brewery at sea, and the inside scoop on the Bolt roller coaster! 🎡 Plus, why do some cruise experiences disappear, and what should you look forward...

Jan 25, 202537 minSeason 4Ep. 6

The Princess Takes the Helm: Jennifer’s Grand Adventure

This week, the Golden Crew dives into some exciting cruise news! Carnival Cruise Line has won big in USA Today's Top 10 Best Reader Choice Awards, with the Carnival Spirit crowned as the Best Alaskan Cruise Ship. The crew also discusses Carnival's new Asia-Pacific itineraries, from Tokyo to Singapore, sparking debates over long-haul travel. Plus, Jennifer shares her recent experience aboard Princess Cruises, while Gary gets (playfully) put in time-out. Don't miss the hilarious banter and insider...

Jan 18, 202532 minSeason 4Ep. 5

Do You Really Need a PVP or Travel Agent? Plus, Elegant Night Drama & Platinum/Diamond Perks!

This week, the Golden Boys—Trevor, Thomas, and Gary—dive into the pros and cons of booking your next Carnival cruise without the help of a PVP or travel agent. Are you missing out, or is it smooth sailing solo? 🛳️ We also tackle the hot topic of Elegant Night : Is it time to ditch the dress code or keep the tradition alive? 👗🍽️ Plus, we discuss a lesser-known perk for Platinum and Diamond members that will make your embarkation day a whole lot easier! 🎒⚓ Don’t miss out on this jam-packed epi...

Jan 11, 202554 minSeason 4Ep. 4

Carnival Venezia Rundown and Review, AARP, Carnival Shops and more

Welcome to 2025 with the Carnival Cruising Podcastaways! T-Dawg, TK, Not Tom and Jennnnnnnnnn (Aka the Golden Crew) get back to business to kick off 2025. 🎉 In this hilarious episode, the crew dives into their recent Carnival Venezia cruise adventure, featuring Trevor’s golden pork chop triumph , Gary’s “I’m not Tom” dinner drama , and the unsung vegetarian menu mystery . Hear their takes on the ship’s unique vibe, unexpected food hacks, and how shorts can decide your dining table fate. Stay tu...

Jan 04, 20251 hr 27 minSeason 4Ep. 3

The Golden Crew's Guide to Affordable Cruising

"Set sail with the Golden Crew as they share their expert tips and tricks for cruising on a budget! From smart booking strategies to savvy onboard savings, discover how to make your cruise dreams a reality without breaking the bank. Plus, hear passionate perspectives on why removing gratuities is never the answer (seriously, don't do it), learn about the truth behind room choices, and get the inside scoop on maximizing cruise value. Special features include Gary's John Heald update and a heartfe...

Dec 14, 20241 hr 5 minSeason 4Ep. 2

The Ultimate Insider's Guide to Carnival Secrets

Join Trevor, Tom, and Jen as they spill their favorite cruise secrets and tips from years of sailing! From finding hidden decks perfect for stargazing to scoring free seasickness medicine with your Platinum card, the Golden Crew shares their best insider knowledge. Tom breaks down the secret deck locations across different ship classes, while Trevor recounts some questionable ideas about living on cruise ships (please don't try this at home!). Between debates about funfetti cheesecake and tales ...

Dec 07, 20241 hr 5 minSeason 4Ep. 1
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