Cruisella Talks Ship

The First Hour On Board: Why your first sixty minutes on a cruise could be some of your favourite.

What should you do during your first hour on a cruise?
In this episode of Cruisella Talks Ship, I’m sharing why I think the first sixty minutes on board are some of the most enjoyable of the entire trip. From wandering the ship and finding your bearings to that first meal, first ocean view and first umbrella drink, this is your reminder that you don’t have to rush.
Sometimes the best way to begin a cruise is simply to explore a little.

Cruisella Talk Ship, Revisited: What you can expect

Nearly fifty episodes in, a moment to say thank you, welcome new listeners, and talk about what this show is built on — real trips and the honest experience, from someone who’s been on board and taken notes.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

Exploring Ocean Boulevard: Norwegian Prima’s Deck 8: A walk past the race track, mini golf, Oceanwalk, The Stadium and the infinity pools

Norwegian Prima’s Ocean Boulevard is more than just a walkway. It’s one of the ship’s most unique outdoor spaces.
In this episode of Cruisella Talks Ship, I’m taking you on a walk around Deck 8, stopping at the race track, mini golf, The Stadium, Oceanwalk and the infinity pools.
If you’re sailing on Norwegian Prima, this episode will help you get your bearings before you step on board.
Next time, we’ll head inside the ship to explore some of Norwegian Prima’s indoor attractions.

MSC Meraviglia - Brooklyn, The Bahamas & The Ship Itself

A look back at a January 2024 sailing aboard the MSC Meraviglia — nine nights roundtrip out of Brooklyn, covering Port Canaveral, Miami, Nassau, and Ocean Cay. We cover the ship’s history, its run as New York’s year-round MSC vessel, and where it’s headed

Cruise Q&A: Extra Costs, Booking Cabins Together and Travelling Solo

Three common cruise questions answered simply.
Cruise fares can be confusing, especially when you're trying to budget, coordinate travel with family, or decide whether cruising solo is right for you.
In this listener Q&A episode, I answer three common questions:
• What costs should you expect onboard beyond your cruise fare and travel to the port?
• Can families or groups book cabins near each other?
• Which cruise lines are best for solo travellers?
We also talk about solo cabins, private lounges for solo guests, and why the right cruise line depends on the experience you want onboard.
Whether you're planning your first cruise or your tenth, understanding these details before you book can help you avoid surprises later.
If you have a cruise question you'd like answered in a future episode, send it my way.
Cruisella Talks Ship is an independent cruise podcast sharing practical information, planning tips, and straightforward advice for cruisers at every stage.
Follow along on Instagram: @cruisellatalksship

Beyond the Theatre — What Else Is Happening Onboard

Most people plan their cruise around the big stuff — the ports, the dining, the main theatre shows. But some of the best entertainment onboard happens in a lounge, costs nothing extra, and doesn’t need a reservation.
In this episode we’re talking about three things that don’t always make it onto the planning radar — trivia, game shows and comedy — what they look like on a mainstream cruise ship and why they’re worth leaning in to.
We cover how trivia works onboard and when to find it, the game show formats you’ll find on lines like Carnival, Norwegian and Royal Caribbean, what the comedy club looks like on a mainstream ship and how the shows are structured, and why all three are worth leaning in to.

Norwegian Cruise Line: An Honest Brand Review- Prima vs Star vs Jewel — a real cruiser’s perspective across three very different sailings

In this episode I am reviewing Norwegian Cruise Line as a brand after sailing the Prima, the Star and the Jewel in the span of six months — with three very different travel groups. I share what I loved, what I didn’t, what the cruising community is saying about NCL right now and where I land on the brand overall.
As promised in this episode — if you are travelling on the Norwegian Prima with preteens or teens and want to know what they can actually do on board, I covered it all in a previous episode. You can find it here:
https://Cruisellatalksship.podbean.com/e/norwegian-prima-what-preteens-teens-can-actually-do/

Hooked: Why Cruisers Keep Coming Back - What the data says — and three myths it’s time to leave at the dock

Eighty-two percent of people who cruise say they’ll do it again. This episode looks at why — the research behind what makes cruising one of the most repeat-booked vacation formats in the world. Then we tackle three cruise myths that have overstayed their welcome: is it really too expensive? Is it just for older travelers? And will you get seasick? With information and facts from CLIA’s 2025 State of the Cruise Industry Report and independent travel research.

No Port? No Problem - A practical guide to sea days on a cruise ship

A sea day without a plan has a way of disappearing. This episode breaks down how cruise ships run on days at sea — what’s open, when it fills up, and how to use the time well. Useful for first-time cruisers and anyone building their sea day routine. Amenities, venues, and schedules vary by ship and cruise line — always check your daily program or deck plan for what’s available on your sailing.

Cruise Packing List Non-Negotiables | The short list.

This episode exists because not everything on a packing list is created equal. It covers the documents, medications, and logistics that actually matter, including a story from a recent trip that made it onto the list for a reason.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​