The latest cruise news with staff writer Richard Simms.
Richard discusses updates on the world cruise ship “Villa Odyssey,” Royal Caribbean’s earnings, Norwegian Cruise Line’s financial performance, and new details about Disney’s upcoming Disney Destiny ship.
He also shares a story about passengers from two cruise ships who experienced an unexpected excursion due to a natural disaster in Alaska. He concludes with news about Carnival Cruise Line’s Funfetti cheesecake.
We also get a detailed review of Disney Wish, where Chris from DCLcruisingDad.com shares his personal experiences from a recent cruise. They discuss the boarding process, the convenience of using the Disney app, and the importance of prioritizing family-friendly activities.
Chris highlights the joy of their children during the trip and describes the adults-only areas on the ship. The conversation covers entertainment options for adults, the ship’s layout, and crowd management.
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Timestamps:
- World Cruise Ship Update (00:00:30): Richard Simms discusses the latest on the Villa Odyssey world cruise ship and its delays.
- Royal Caribbean’s Earnings Report (00:02:11): Royal Caribbean reports significant growth in new cruise numbers and customer spending.
- Norwegian Cruise Line Financials (00:05:14): Norwegian Cruise Line shares positive financial results and increased revenue.
- Disney Destiny Ship Details (00:07:14): New information about Disney Destiny launching in 2025, featuring villain-themed attractions.
- Unexpected Excursion in Alaska (00:09:53): Passengers from two cruise ships experience a rockslide and an unexpected adventure back to their ships.
- Carnival Cruise Line’s Funfetti Cheesecake (00:11:36): Carnival announces Funfetti Cheesecake will be available on all ships for embarkation day.
- The Disney Transfer Experience (00:17:39): Discusses the benefits of using Disney’s transfer service for the advantages of early arrival and boarding groups.
- Choosing Accommodations (00:18:30): Highlights the convenience of staying at the Hyatt near Orlando Airport for easy flight access.
- Comparison of Booking Options (00:18:48): Explains how booking through Disney can sometimes be cheaper than direct hotel bookings.
- Cruise Terminal Process (00:19:14): Covers the efficiency of checking in and boarding at the cruise terminal.
- Disney Check-In Process (00:19:30): Details the tiered check-in system for Disney cruises based on Castaway Club levels.
- Early Embarkation Experience (00:20:34): Shares personal experiences with early embarkation and its benefits.
- Curb to Ship Time (00:21:20): Describes the quick process from arrival at the terminal to boarding the Disney Wish.
- First Impressions of Disney Wish (00:22:04): Expresses awe at the grandeur of the Disney Wish upon first entering the ship.
- Stateroom Access (00:23:02): Discusses access to staterooms and the activities leading up to that time.
- Stateroom Features (00:23:40): Describes the benefits of booking a veranda stateroom for family comfort.
- Split Bathrooms on Disney Ships (00:24:27): Explains the split bathroom feature available on most Disney cruise line ships.
- Storage Solutions on Disney Wish (00:25:21): Discusses storage options and packing strategies for families on the Disney Wish.
- Game Plan for Kids on Board (00:26:05): Outlines a strategy for families to explore the ship and check out kids’ clubs.
- Embarkation Day Food (00:27:55): Highlights the seafood offerings available on embarkation day, including shrimp and crab legs.
- Buffet Impressions (00:28:38): Shares thoughts on the variety and quality of the buffet throughout the cruise.
- Rotational Dining Experience (00:29:46): Explains how Disney’s rotational dining works and the themed experiences at different restaurants.
- Dining Highlights (00:31:19): Describes favorite dishes and experiences at the various dining venues on Disney Wish.
- Specialty Dining Options (00:34:27): Mentions the availability of specialty dining venues and the experiences enjoyed there.
- Palo Brunch Experience (00:35:20): Discuss the brunch at Palo and its popularity among guests.
- Dining Reservations (00:35:43): Discuss the difficulty of securing dining reservations on board, particularly for Palo’s.
- Joyful Sweets (00:36:10): Overview of the themed ice cream and candy shop, Joyful Sweets, on the Disney Wish.
- Entertainment Overview (00:37:10): Insight into the entertainment options, including Broadway shows and themed parties on the cruise.
- Pirate Night Shows (00:39:36): Description of the exciting pirate night shows, featuring fireworks and character appearances.
- Crowd Management on Board (00:41:11): Thoughts on ship layout and crowd distribution, especially regarding pool areas.
- Aqua Mouse Experience (00:42:07): Discuss the wait times for the AquaMouse water coaster and tips for riding.
- Activities on Sea Days (00:43:35): Description of various activities and entertainment options available during sea days on the cruise.
- Nassau Port Experience (00:44:10): Review of the new port area in Nassau and its attractions compared to past visits.
- Castaway Cay Day (00:46:39): Highlights of the day spent at Disney’s private island, Castaway Cay, including excursions and dining.
- Snorkeling Experience (00:48:15): Discussion on snorkeling at Castaway Cay and the challenges faced during the activity.
- Debarkation Process (00:49:19): Overview of the smooth debarkation process and breakfast routine on the final day.
- Kids Club Experience (00:50:28): Testimonial on the kids club’s popularity and activities, emphasizing children’s enjoyment and engagement.
- Cruise Preparation Tips (00:52:39): Discusses the process of disembarking from the ship and customs experience.
- First-Time Tips for Disney Cruise (00:53:23): Advice on using the app to plan activities while on vacation.
- Reviewing Cruise Feedback (00:53:59): Explores the importance of personal experiences over subjective reviews.
- Cruise Highlights (00:54:43): Shares memorable moments from the cruise, including family activities and sunset experiences.
- Adults-Only Areas on Disney Wish (00:55:11): Describes the adults-only pool area and its amenities on the Disney Wish.
- Entertainment Options on Disney Wish (00:56:12): Compares lounge and nightlife options on Disney Wish to other ships.
- Final Thoughts on Disney Wish (00:57:01): Reflects on the enjoyable experience and new features of the Disney Wish.
