All Episodes
Episodes
Cruise Cabins That Are NOT Worth the Upgrade
What looks like a cruise cabin upgrade can sometimes be one of the worst deals on the ship. In this episode, Melissa breaks down which cabin upgrades are actually worth skipping, why guarantee cabins can backfire, and...
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Blood Donors at Sea, New Cruise Fees, and Royal Caribbean’s Giant New Ship
What happens when a cruise ship is too far from land, and someone urgently needs blood to survive? Let's take a look at the real limits of cruise ship safety after passengers on Oasis of the Seas were awakened at 4...
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The Truth About Cruise Ship Loyalty Programs
The biggest takeaway is this: cruise loyalty can cost you more when it pushes you to book a familiar brand instead of the best cruise for your money. Professor Melissa shows that perks often take years to reach, can...
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Can Cruise Lines Add Fuel Fees After Final Payment?
Could your cruise fare still go up after final payment? Professor Melissa explains why fuel surcharge clauses matter when oil prices rise, how Carnival, Norwegian, and Royal Caribbean handle them, and what that could...
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Are Short Cruises a Waste of Money?
Is a short cruise really cheaper, or does it just look that way at checkout? Let's compare 3-night and 7-night trips and see why the lower fare can be misleading. When travelers factor in per-night pricing, drink...
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Cruise Line Cuts, Price Hikes, and an Alaska Itinerary Change
What happens when cruise lines quietly change the rules after you’ve already booked? Let's talk about where cruise policies, loyalty perks, and onboard costs are headed. Norwegian reversed its change to the Great...
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5 Most Overrated Things About Cruising That Waste Your Money
Are some of the most popular cruise “must-dos” actually costing you more while giving you less? Professor Melissa breaks down five of the most hyped cruise experiences and explains where they fall short, who they...
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Major Cruise Updates: Ship Inspection Blocked, Sailings Canceled, Prices Up
Are cruise lines becoming less transparent with passengers? This week in cruising, government officials were blocked from boarding a ship during a crew safety investigation, dozens of Carnival sailings suddenly...
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4 Cruise Tipping Myths Debunked
Do cruise passengers misunderstand tipping more than they realize? Many cruisers believe removing auto gratuities, tipping only cash, skipping tips, or prepaying gratuities is the smartest strategy. These ideas sound...
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Cruise Cancelled in Dubai? The Travel Insurance Clause That Could Cost You
What happens when your cruise gets canceled while you are already halfway around the world?
Thousands of passengers in Dubai were left scrambling for flights after MSC Cruises canceled its remaining Arabian Gulf...
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The Truth About Cruise Ship Med Centers
What would happen if you needed medical care in the middle of the ocean tonight? Cruise ship medical bills shock passengers every year, yet most cruisers board assuming their health insurance works at sea. It usually...
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Cruise Ports Canceled Again? What You Need to Know
What happens when the cruise you booked quietly becomes a different cruise altogether? This week, multiple cruise lines exercised their contractual right to change itineraries, cancel ports, and substitute...
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