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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

Nacional Beach Club: Hidden Gem or Overhyped Tourist Trap?

Are you looking for the best beach club in Costa Maya or wondering if you should pay for a beach club in Costa Maya at all? Or, searching for a Nacional Beach Club review? Well, you'll find it all here! Here's my...
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Disney vs. Universal at Sea? Carnival Bans Influencer + Cruise Worker Secrets Revealed!

What if your next cruise choice came down to Mickey or Minions? This week’s Cruise News kicks off with buzz about Universal Studios possibly launching its cruise line by 2031, aiming to rival Disney with themed...
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5 Cruise Ports You’re Probably Skipping...But Shouldn’t

What if the most magical cruise destinations aren’t the ones trending online, but the ones quietly offering unforgettable moments? Melissa shares practical tips, cultural gems, and fun facts to make the most of each...
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CocoCay Brawl, Cruise Scams, & Carnival’s Adults-Only Experiment

From CocoCay chaos to Disney’s big Texas move, we're diving into this week’s hottest cruise headlines. Plus, a Carnival casino adults-only test, new travel scams, and what’s new with MSC and Royal Caribbean.
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Secret Tips for Scoring Last Minute Cruises

Thinking about booking a last-minute cruise but worried it’ll be too stressful? Let’s talk about smart, simple tips to help you score great deals, avoid common mistakes, and cruise with confidence, even on short...
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Cruising from Galveston? Avoid These Mistakes & Plan Like a Pro!

Planning to cruise from Galveston? in this episode, we're covering everything you need to know to cruise like a pro—from airport choices and pre-cruise hotels to must-see ports like Cozumel, Costa Maya, Roatan, and...
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How to Crush Every Cruise Stop Like a Pro

Sick of wasting your port days in overpriced bars and tourist traps? Here are my top tips to turn your short cruise stops into real-deal travel experiences.
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Cruise Ship Murder, Pig Swim Mayhem, and Shocking Tax Reversal

It’s been a big week in cruise news, with everything from shocking headlines to important updates for future cruisers. Here are the top cruise stories making waves this week, including a tragic incident on MSC...
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Grand Turk Cruise Guide: #1 Beach Tip, Big Mistakes to Avoid, and a Serious Legal Warning

What if stepping off your cruise ship led you straight to a free beach day with no taxis, no tender boats, and no spending required? In this episode, Melissa, a cruising professor who loves honest advice, shares...
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Carnival's Shocking Jubilee Brawl and Pineapple Ban | Cruise News

In this episode of Cruise Pod, we cover the fallout from a brawl at Carnival's Galveston terminal, the surprising ban on upside-down pineapples, and Norwegian Cruise Line's efforts to trim costs while facing economic...
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Cruising the ABC Islands: The Ultimate Port Guide

Planning a Caribbean cruise and curious about the ABC Islands—Aruba, Bonaire, and Curaçao? In this episode, I’m sharing what makes each of these stunning Dutch Caribbean islands unique and why they’re must-visits on...
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Cruise SHOCKERS: Elevator Beatdown, Price Hikes & Surprise Cancellations

This week’s cruise headlines are wild: violence at sea, new tech from Disney, and cruise cancellations from Carnival and MSC. Plus, a stunning new ship launch and a U.S. port’s historic cruise return.
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