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Professor Melissa's Cruise Pod

Professor Melissa's Cruise Pod

Hosted by: Professor Melissa

Welcome to Professor Melissa's Cruise Pod, your go-to guide for everything cruising! Tune in for top tips, savvy hacks, advice, and stories from a cruise enthusiast who’s been there and done it all (well, not "all",...

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Episodes

Is Your Cruise Really All-Inclusive? The Hidden Costs Nobody Warns You About

You step onto the ship ready to relax, but by the end of the cruise, your onboard bill is screaming louder than the sail-away party. Sound familiar? Let’s pull back the curtain on all the sneaky ways cruises drain...
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Are Cruise Line Drink Packages Actually Worth It?

Are cruise drink packages worth it, or are you just sipping your way into a spending spree? In this episode, I break down everything you need to know before saying “yes” to that unlimited drink deal. I'll discuss the...
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Cruise News SHOCKER: Drink Package Hikes, Bed Bugs & Port Changes

From surprise drink package changes and ships moving ports, to drug arrests, stomach bugs, and even BED bugs, we break it all down in this week’s cruise update. I share honest thoughts, helpful tips, and talk ship...
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Paradise Beach Cozumel: Still Worth It?

Paradise Beach has long been a favorite Cozumel all-inclusive beach club for cruisers, but is it still worth the hype in 2025? I've been many, many times and I'll share my honest take bout why this became my favorite...
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Carnival's Cultural Targeting Controversy & Royal Caribbean’s $600M Gamble

Would you skip supporting local businesses for a day in a mega-resort with lazy rivers and infinity pools? Royal Caribbean’s $600 million “Perfect Day Mexico” project has locals in Costa Maya worried and cruisers...
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Is Carnival Cruise Line Right for You? The Real Talk You Need Before You Book

Is Carnival Cruise Line just a floating party or something more? Although this cruise line has been testing my nerves lately with their VIFP changes, let's talk about why it’s still my favorite cruise line. While I...
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Swingers at Sea? The Truth Behind Pineapples, Cruise Culture, and the Lifestyle

What’s really going on with pineapples, magnets, and whispers on cruise ships? I talked with a cruising couple who live the lifestyle, and they’re clearing up the myths. From secret Facebook groups to strict...
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Iberostar Is the Cozumel Beach Day Hack You’ll Wish You Knew Sooner

What if your next beach day in Cozumel could feel more like a serene resort getaway than a crowded club? Let's talk about Iberostar, a lesser-known, all-inclusive resort that’s quickly become a top choice. Book...
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Cruise News Mayhem: Carnival’s Loyalty Controversy, New Fees & Overboard Drama

Carnival just changed its loyalty program, and loyal cruisers are not happy. If you’ve spent years racking up nights to hit Platinum or Diamond, you might be in for a shock. It’s all about spending now. Plus, Mexico’s...
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I Discovered Nassau's Best All-Inclusive Resort (Breezes Review)

Tired of hearing how awful Nassau is? Crowded beaches, aggressive vendors, nothing to do? Let’s clear that up. Breezes Bahamas is my favorite spot in Nassau, it’s all-inclusive, super chill, adults-only, and actually...
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5 Big Lies About Cruising That Are Totally Wrong

Think cruises are boring, too expensive, or just for retirees? Or maybe you’re not sure what’s included and what’s going to cost extra? You’ll get all that here! I’m breaking down the five biggest lies people believe...
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Cruise Ship Mayhem: Crime Spikes, Glass Shatters & the Poop Cruise Returns!

Is cruising still safe? Or are the headlines about cruise crime, ship mishaps, and onboard brawls starting to raise real red flags? In this episode, I’m breaking down the latest cruise chaos—from a scary...
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